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

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Lubbock is 67% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,137/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 111%
$60,487/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 82%
$197,900 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 433%
$1,179/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 109%
261,078
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,258/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $15,096/year.

Median household income is $49,586/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Lubbock or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,258/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $49,586/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 Lubbock or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/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 Lubbock details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lubbock and Costa Mesa

Lubbock vs. Fort Wayne Lubbock vs. St. Petersburg Lubbock vs. Toledo Lubbock vs. Laredo Lubbock vs. Reno Lubbock vs. Irving 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