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

Pueblo

Colorado
72
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Pueblo is 156% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,020/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 135%
$55,305/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 99%
$230,900 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 357%
$1,011/mo ↓ 59%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 144%
111,514
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
2.9%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pueblo, CO and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,375/month cheaper in Pueblo, saving renters about $16,500/year.

Median household income is $54,768/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pueblo is $230,900 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Pueblo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pueblo vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Pueblo or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pueblo is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pueblo and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Pueblo is $1,020/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,375/month.
Which city has higher income, Pueblo or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $55,305 in Pueblo and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $54,768/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and California?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Pueblo or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Pueblo has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,020/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.
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