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

Corona

California
173
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Corona is 24% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$2,136/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 12%
$106,438/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 3%
$656,500 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 61%
$2,280/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 8%
158,839
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

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Corona, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $259/month cheaper in Corona, saving renters about $3,108/year.

Median household income is $3,635/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Corona is $656,500 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Corona vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Corona or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Corona is cheaper to live in with an index of 173 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Corona and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Corona is $2,136/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $259/month.
Which city has higher income, Corona or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $106,438 in Corona and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $3,635/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 Corona or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Corona has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,136/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 Corona details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Corona and Costa Mesa

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