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

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Plano is 42% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,792/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 34%
$108,649/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 1%
$440,600 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 139%
$1,829/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 35%
287,339
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $603/month cheaper in Plano, saving renters about $7,236/year.

Median household income is $1,424/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Plano or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Plano is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $603/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $1,424/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Plano or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Plano and Costa Mesa

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