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

Orange

California
206
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Orange is 10% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$2,252/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 6%
$116,945/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↓ 6%
$900,700 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 17%
$2,394/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 3%
138,723
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

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $143/month cheaper in Orange, saving renters about $1,716/year.

Median household income is $6,872/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orange vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Orange or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Orange is cheaper to live in with an index of 206 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $143/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $6,872/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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 Orange details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orange and Costa Mesa

Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City 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