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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Ontario is 33% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,916/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 25%
$82,806/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 33%
$568,000 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 86%
$1,967/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 25%
178,347
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

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $479/month cheaper in Ontario, saving renters about $5,748/year.

Median household income is $27,267/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Ontario or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ontario is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $479/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $27,267/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 Ontario or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Costa Mesa

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa 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