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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Modesto is 47% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,609/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 49%
$77,899/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 41%
$415,600 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 154%
$1,613/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 53%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $786/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $9,432/year.

Median household income is $32,174/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Modesto or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $786/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $32,174/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 Modesto or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

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Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley 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