Cost of Living: Eugene, OR vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Eugene

Oregon
111
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Eugene is 51% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,347/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 78%
$63,836/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 72%
$435,400 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 142%
$1,421/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 73%
177,520
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Eugene, OR and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 111 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,048/month cheaper in Eugene, saving renters about $12,576/year.

Median household income is $46,237/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Eugene is $435,400 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Eugene slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eugene vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Eugene or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Eugene is cheaper to live in with an index of 111 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Eugene and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Eugene is $1,347/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,048/month.
Which city has higher income, Eugene or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $63,836 in Eugene and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $46,237/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and California?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Eugene or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Eugene has a cost index of 111 with median rent of $1,347/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 Eugene details → View Costa Mesa details →

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