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

Killeen

Texas
75
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Killeen is 67% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,147/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 109%
$58,339/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 89%
$196,000 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 438%
$1,176/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 109%
156,144
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Killeen, TX and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,248/month cheaper in Killeen, saving renters about $14,976/year.

Median household income is $51,734/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Killeen is $196,000 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Killeen vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Killeen or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Killeen and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Killeen is $1,147/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,248/month.
Which city has higher income, Killeen or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $58,339 in Killeen and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $51,734/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 Killeen or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Killeen has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,147/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 Killeen details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Killeen and Costa Mesa

Killeen vs. Lakewood Killeen vs. Kansas City Killeen vs. Macon Killeen vs. Springfield Killeen vs. Alexandria Killeen vs. Sunnyvale 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