Cost of Living: Costa Mesa, CA vs South Fulton, GA (2026)

Costa Mesa

California
228
VS

South Fulton

Georgia
103

Costa Mesa is 125% more expensive than South Fulton.

$2,395/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$1,607/mo ↓ 33%
$110,073/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$81,798/yr ↓ 26%
$1,054,700 ↑ 290%
Home Value
$270,600 ↓ 74%
$2,462/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$1,541/mo ↓ 37%
110,538
Population
109,157

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.49%
7.25%
Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Costa Mesa, CA and South Fulton, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 228 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $788/month cheaper in South Fulton, saving renters about $9,456/year.

Median household income is $28,275/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Costa Mesa is $1,054,700 compared to $270,600 in South Fulton.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making South Fulton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Costa Mesa vs South Fulton — common questions

Is Costa Mesa or South Fulton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, South Fulton 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 South Fulton?
Median rent in Costa Mesa is $2,395/month and in South Fulton it's $1,607/month — a difference of $788/month.
Which city has higher income, Costa Mesa or South Fulton?
Median household income is $110,073 in Costa Mesa and $81,798 in South Fulton. Median household income is $28,275/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between California and Georgia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Costa Mesa or South Fulton?
It depends on your priorities. Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with median rent of $2,395/mo, while South Fulton has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,607/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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