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

Costa Mesa

California
228
VS

Greeley

Colorado
103

Costa Mesa is 125% more expensive than Greeley.

$2,395/mo ↑ 80%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 44%
$110,073/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$68,650/yr ↓ 38%
$1,054,700 ↑ 185%
Home Value
$369,600 ↓ 65%
$2,462/mo ↑ 78%
Owner Costs
$1,387/mo ↓ 44%
110,538
Population
109,421

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Costa Mesa, CA and Greeley, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 228 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,062/month cheaper in Greeley, saving renters about $12,744/year.

Median household income is $41,423/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Costa Mesa is $1,054,700 compared to $369,600 in Greeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Costa Mesa vs Greeley — common questions

Is Costa Mesa or Greeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Greeley is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Costa Mesa and Greeley?
Median rent in Costa Mesa is $2,395/month and in Greeley it's $1,333/month — a difference of $1,062/month.
Which city has higher income, Costa Mesa or Greeley?
Median household income is $110,073 in Costa Mesa and $68,650 in Greeley. Median household income is $41,423/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Costa Mesa or Greeley?
It depends on your priorities. Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with median rent of $2,395/mo, while Greeley has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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