Cost of Living: Fort Worth, TX vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Fort Worth is 57% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,412/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 70%
$76,602/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 44%
$277,300 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 280%
$1,489/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 65%
941,311
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $983/month cheaper in Fort Worth, saving renters about $11,796/year.

Median household income is $33,471/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Fort Worth residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Fort Worth or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Worth is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Worth and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $983/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $33,471/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Worth or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,412/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 Fort Worth details → View Costa Mesa details →

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