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

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Indianapolis is 68% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,112/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 115%
$62,995/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 75%
$207,000 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 410%
$1,124/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 119%
882,043
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,283/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $15,396/year.

Median household income is $47,078/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Indianapolis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,283/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $47,078/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and California?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/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 Indianapolis details → View Costa Mesa details →

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