Cost of Living: Concord, CA vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Concord

California
187
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Concord is 18% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$2,226/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 8%
$109,195/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$110,073/yr ≈ Same
$755,900 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 40%
$2,284/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 8%
124,260
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Concord, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $169/month cheaper in Concord, saving renters about $2,028/year.

Median household income is $878/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Concord is $755,900 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Concord vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Concord or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Concord is cheaper to live in with an index of 187 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Concord and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Concord is $2,226/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $169/month.
Which city has higher income, Concord or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $109,195 in Concord and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $878/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Concord or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Concord has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $2,226/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 Concord details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Concord and Costa Mesa

Concord vs. Round Rock Concord vs. Arvada Concord vs. Vallejo Concord vs. Clovis Concord vs. Meridian Concord vs. College Station Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria