Cost of Living: Evansville, IN vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Evansville

Indiana
57
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Evansville is 75% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$949/mo ↓ 60%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 152%
$52,251/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 111%
$129,100 ↓ 88%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 717%
$919/mo ↓ 63%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 168%
116,441
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Evansville, IN and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,446/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $17,352/year.

Median household income is $57,822/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Evansville is $129,100 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Evansville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Evansville vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Evansville or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Evansville and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Evansville is $949/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,446/month.
Which city has higher income, Evansville or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $52,251 in Evansville and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $57,822/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and California?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Evansville or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Evansville has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $949/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 Evansville details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Evansville and Costa Mesa

Evansville vs. The Woodlands Evansville vs. Brandon Evansville vs. Lakeland Evansville vs. West Jordan Evansville vs. Clearwater Evansville vs. Broken Arrow 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