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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Oakland is 14% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,917/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 25%
$97,369/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 13%
$924,700 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 14%
$2,164/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 14%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $478/month cheaper in Oakland, saving renters about $5,736/year.

Median household income is $12,704/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Oakland or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Oakland is cheaper to live in with an index of 195 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $478/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $12,704/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 Oakland or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

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