Cost of Living: Corpus Christi, TX vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Corpus Christi

Texas
78
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Corpus Christi is 66% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,230/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 95%
$66,325/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 66%
$197,100 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 435%
$1,225/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 101%
317,383
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Corpus Christi, TX and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,165/month cheaper in Corpus Christi, saving renters about $13,980/year.

Median household income is $43,748/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Corpus Christi is $197,100 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Corpus Christi residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Corpus Christi vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Corpus Christi or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Corpus Christi is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Corpus Christi and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Corpus Christi is $1,230/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,165/month.
Which city has higher income, Corpus Christi or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $66,325 in Corpus Christi and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $43,748/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Corpus Christi or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Corpus Christi has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,230/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 Corpus Christi details → View Costa Mesa details →

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