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

Kent

Washington
145
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Kent is 36% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,833/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 31%
$90,416/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 22%
$537,500 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 96%
$1,915/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 29%
135,015
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kent, WA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 145 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $562/month cheaper in Kent, saving renters about $6,744/year.

Median household income is $19,657/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kent is $537,500 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kent vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Kent or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kent and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Kent is $1,833/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $562/month.
Which city has higher income, Kent or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $90,416 in Kent and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $19,657/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Washington and California?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Kent or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Kent has a cost index of 145 with median rent of $1,833/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 Kent details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kent and Costa Mesa

Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights 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