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

Provo

Utah
102
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Provo is 55% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,152/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 108%
$62,800/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 75%
$437,100 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 141%
$1,220/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 102%
114,303
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Provo, UT and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,243/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $14,916/year.

Median household income is $47,273/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Provo is $437,100 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Provo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Provo vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Provo or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Provo is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Provo and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Provo is $1,152/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,243/month.
Which city has higher income, Provo or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $62,800 in Provo and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $47,273/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Utah and California?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Provo or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Provo has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,152/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 Provo details → View Costa Mesa details →

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