Cost of Living: Las Vegas, NV vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Las Vegas

Nevada
111
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Las Vegas is 51% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,456/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 64%
$70,723/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 56%
$395,300 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 167%
$1,452/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 70%
650,873
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Las Vegas, NV and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 111 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $939/month cheaper in Las Vegas, saving renters about $11,268/year.

Median household income is $39,350/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Las Vegas is $395,300 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Las Vegas residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Las Vegas vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Las Vegas or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Las Vegas is cheaper to live in with an index of 111 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Las Vegas and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Las Vegas is $1,456/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $939/month.
Which city has higher income, Las Vegas or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $70,723 in Las Vegas and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $39,350/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and California?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Las Vegas or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Las Vegas has a cost index of 111 with median rent of $1,456/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 Las Vegas details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Las Vegas and Costa Mesa

Las Vegas vs. Boston Las Vegas vs. Portland Las Vegas vs. Washington Las Vegas vs. Detroit Las Vegas vs. El Paso Las Vegas vs. Memphis 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