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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Garland is 58% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,525/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 57%
$74,717/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 47%
$248,900 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 324%
$1,445/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 70%
245,298
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $870/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $10,440/year.

Median household income is $35,356/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Garland or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $870/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $35,356/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 Garland or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/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 Garland details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garland and Costa Mesa

Garland vs. Glendale Garland vs. Scottsdale Garland vs. Winston-Salem Garland vs. Boise Garland vs. Chesapeake Garland vs. Arlington 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