Cost of Living: High Point, NC vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

High Point

North Carolina
73
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

High Point is 68% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,062/mo ↓ 56%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 126%
$61,228/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 80%
$212,400 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 397%
$1,084/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 127%
115,263
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing High Point, NC and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,333/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $15,996/year.

Median household income is $48,845/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in High Point is $212,400 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making High Point slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

High Point vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is High Point or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between High Point and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in High Point is $1,062/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,333/month.
Which city has higher income, High Point or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $61,228 in High Point and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $48,845/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to High Point or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. High Point has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,062/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 High Point details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for High Point and Costa Mesa

High Point vs. Richmond High Point vs. League City High Point vs. Manchester High Point vs. Lowell High Point vs. Westminster High Point vs. East Los Angeles 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