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

Costa Mesa

California
228
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Costa Mesa is 93% more expensive than Sugar Land.

$2,395/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↓ 19%
$110,073/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 25%
$1,054,700 ↑ 159%
Home Value
$406,600 ↓ 61%
$2,462/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↓ 20%
110,538
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Costa Mesa, CA and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 228 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $456/month cheaper in Sugar Land, saving renters about $5,472/year.

Median household income is $27,438/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Costa Mesa is $1,054,700 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Costa Mesa vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Costa Mesa or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sugar Land is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Costa Mesa and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Costa Mesa is $2,395/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $456/month.
Which city has higher income, Costa Mesa or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $110,073 in Costa Mesa and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $27,438/year higher in Sugar Land.
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 Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with median rent of $2,395/mo, while Sugar Land has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,939/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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