Cost of Living: Costa Mesa, CA vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Costa Mesa

California
228
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Costa Mesa is 212% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$2,395/mo ↑ 138%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 58%
$110,073/yr ↑ 127%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 56%
$1,054,700 ↑ 346%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 78%
$2,462/mo ↑ 137%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 58%
110,538
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Costa Mesa, CA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 228 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,390/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $16,680/year.

Median household income is $61,537/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Costa Mesa is $1,054,700 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Tuscaloosa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Costa Mesa vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Costa Mesa or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Costa Mesa and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Costa Mesa is $2,395/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $1,390/month.
Which city has higher income, Costa Mesa or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $110,073 in Costa Mesa and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $61,537/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between California and Alabama?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Costa Mesa or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with median rent of $2,395/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Costa Mesa details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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