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

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Jacksonville is 60% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,375/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 74%
$66,981/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 64%
$266,100 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 296%
$1,324/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 86%
961,739
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,020/month cheaper in Jacksonville, saving renters about $12,240/year.

Median household income is $43,092/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jacksonville is cheaper to live in with an index of 92 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,020/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $43,092/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and California?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/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 Jacksonville details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Jacksonville and Costa Mesa

Jacksonville vs. Austin Jacksonville vs. Fort Worth Jacksonville vs. San Jose Jacksonville vs. Columbus Jacksonville vs. Dallas Jacksonville vs. Charlotte 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