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

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Dallas is 57% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,403/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 71%
$67,760/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 62%
$295,300 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 257%
$1,409/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 75%
1,299,553
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $992/month cheaper in Dallas, saving renters about $11,904/year.

Median household income is $42,313/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Dallas or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $992/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $42,313/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Dallas details → View Costa Mesa details →

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