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

Mesquite

Texas
89
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Mesquite is 61% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,407/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 70%
$71,843/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 53%
$226,500 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 366%
$1,383/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 78%
148,848
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesquite, TX and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $988/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $11,856/year.

Median household income is $38,230/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesquite is $226,500 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesquite vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Mesquite or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesquite and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Mesquite is $1,407/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $988/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesquite or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $71,843 in Mesquite and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $38,230/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 Mesquite or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,407/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 Mesquite details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

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