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

Costa Mesa

California
228
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Costa Mesa is 66% more expensive than Allen.

$2,395/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↓ 22%
$110,073/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 17%
$1,054,700 ↑ 145%
Home Value
$429,900 ↓ 59%
$2,462/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↓ 15%
110,538
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Costa Mesa, CA and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 228 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $518/month cheaper in Allen, saving renters about $6,216/year.

Median household income is $19,057/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Costa Mesa is $1,054,700 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Costa Mesa vs Allen — common questions

Is Costa Mesa or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allen is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Costa Mesa and Allen?
Median rent in Costa Mesa is $2,395/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $518/month.
Which city has higher income, Costa Mesa or Allen?
Median household income is $110,073 in Costa Mesa and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $19,057/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Costa Mesa or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with median rent of $2,395/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Costa Mesa details → View Allen details →

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