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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Denver is 36% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,770/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 35%
$91,681/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 20%
$586,700 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 80%
$1,839/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 34%
713,734
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $625/month cheaper in Denver, saving renters about $7,500/year.

Median household income is $18,392/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Denver or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denver is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $625/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $18,392/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and California?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Costa Mesa

Denver vs. Seattle Denver vs. Oklahoma City Denver vs. San Francisco Denver vs. Nashville Denver vs. Indianapolis Denver vs. El Paso Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria