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

Midland

Texas
99
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Midland is 57% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,407/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 70%
$91,169/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 21%
$298,600 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 253%
$1,468/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 68%
133,998
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

18.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Midland, TX and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $988/month cheaper in Midland, saving renters about $11,856/year.

Median household income is $18,904/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Midland is $298,600 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Midland vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Midland or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Midland is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Midland and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Midland is $1,407/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $988/month.
Which city has higher income, Midland or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $91,169 in Midland and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $18,904/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 Midland or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Midland has a cost index of 99 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 Midland details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

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