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

Irving

Texas
102
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Irving is 55% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,517/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 58%
$79,641/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 38%
$287,300 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 267%
$1,521/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 62%
255,036
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irving, TX and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $878/month cheaper in Irving, saving renters about $10,536/year.

Median household income is $30,432/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irving is $287,300 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irving vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Irving or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Irving is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irving and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Irving is $1,517/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $878/month.
Which city has higher income, Irving or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $79,641 in Irving and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $30,432/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 Irving or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Irving has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,517/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 Irving details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

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