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

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Mesa is 53% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,478/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 62%
$78,779/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 40%
$364,300 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 190%
$1,404/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 75%
507,478
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $917/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $11,004/year.

Median household income is $31,294/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Mesa or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $917/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $31,294/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

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