Cost of Living: Elk Grove, CA vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Elk Grove is 26% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$2,180/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 10%
$122,229/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↓ 10%
$603,400 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 75%
$2,227/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 11%
177,221
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $215/month cheaper in Elk Grove, saving renters about $2,580/year.

Median household income is $12,156/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elk Grove is cheaper to live in with an index of 168 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $215/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $12,156/year higher in Elk Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Elk Grove or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/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 Elk Grove details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and Costa Mesa

Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem 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