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

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Portland is 39% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,596/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 50%
$88,792/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 24%
$557,600 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 89%
$1,771/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 39%
642,715
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $799/month cheaper in Portland, saving renters about $9,588/year.

Median household income is $21,281/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Portland slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Portland or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Portland is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $799/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $21,281/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and California?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Costa Mesa details →

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