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

Orlando

Florida
115
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Orlando is 50% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,650/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 45%
$69,268/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 59%
$359,000 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 194%
$1,621/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 52%
311,732
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

28.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orlando, FL and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $745/month cheaper in Orlando, saving renters about $8,940/year.

Median household income is $40,805/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orlando is $359,000 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orlando vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Orlando or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Orlando is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orlando and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Orlando is $1,650/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $745/month.
Which city has higher income, Orlando or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $69,268 in Orlando and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $40,805/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and California?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Orlando or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Orlando has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,650/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 Orlando details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orlando and Costa Mesa

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