Cost of Living: Colorado Springs, CO vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Colorado Springs is 48% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,562/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 53%
$83,198/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 32%
$420,700 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 151%
$1,592/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 55%
483,099
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Colorado Springs, CO and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $833/month cheaper in Colorado Springs, saving renters about $9,996/year.

Median household income is $26,875/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Colorado Springs is $420,700 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Colorado Springs slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado Springs vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Colorado Springs or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Colorado Springs is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Colorado Springs and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Colorado Springs is $1,562/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $833/month.
Which city has higher income, Colorado Springs or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $83,198 in Colorado Springs and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $26,875/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and California?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Colorado Springs or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Colorado Springs has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,562/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Colorado Springs details → View Costa Mesa details →

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