Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Los Angeles is 18% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,879/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 27%
$80,366/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 37%
$879,500 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 20%
$2,055/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 20%
3,857,897
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $516/month cheaper in Los Angeles, saving renters about $6,192/year.

Median household income is $29,707/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Los Angeles is cheaper to live in with an index of 187 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $516/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $29,707/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Los Angeles and Costa Mesa

Los Angeles vs. New York Los Angeles vs. Chicago Los Angeles vs. Allen Los Angeles vs. Houston Los Angeles vs. Tuscaloosa Los Angeles vs. Phoenix 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