Cost of Living: Everett, WA vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Everett

Washington
137
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Everett is 91% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,675/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 43%
$81,502/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 35%
$532,300 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 98%
$1,738/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 42%
111,083
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.5%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Everett, WA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $720/month cheaper in Everett, saving renters about $8,640/year.

Median household income is $28,571/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Everett is $532,300 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Everett vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Everett or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Everett is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Everett and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Everett is $1,675/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $720/month.
Which city has higher income, Everett or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $81,502 in Everett and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $28,571/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Washington and California?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Everett or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Everett has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,675/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 Everett details → View Costa Mesa details →