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

Glendale

California
214
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Glendale is 6% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$2,095/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 14%
$84,262/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 31%
$1,043,900 ↓ 1%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 1%
$2,212/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 11%
192,270
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 214 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $300/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $3,600/year.

Median household income is $25,811/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $1,043,900 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Glendale or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 214 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Glendale is $2,095/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $300/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $84,262 in Glendale and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $25,811/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Glendale or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 214 with median rent of $2,095/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 Glendale details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Glendale and Costa Mesa

Glendale vs. Vancouver Glendale vs. Providence Glendale vs. Knoxville Glendale vs. Akron Glendale vs. Peoria Glendale vs. Brownsville 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