Cost of Living: Rancho Cucamonga, CA vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Rancho Cucamonga

California
182
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Rancho Cucamonga is 20% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$2,286/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 5%
$109,511/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$110,073/yr ≈ Same
$694,400 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 52%
$2,324/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 6%
174,693
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rancho Cucamonga, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $109/month cheaper in Rancho Cucamonga, saving renters about $1,308/year.

Median household income is $562/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rancho Cucamonga is $694,400 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rancho Cucamonga vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Rancho Cucamonga or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rancho Cucamonga is cheaper to live in with an index of 182 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rancho Cucamonga and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Rancho Cucamonga is $2,286/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $109/month.
Which city has higher income, Rancho Cucamonga or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $109,511 in Rancho Cucamonga and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $562/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Rancho Cucamonga or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Rancho Cucamonga has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,286/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 Rancho Cucamonga details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

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Rancho Cucamonga vs. Salem Rancho Cucamonga vs. Oceanside Rancho Cucamonga vs. Cary Rancho Cucamonga vs. Clarksville Rancho Cucamonga vs. Santa Rosa Rancho Cucamonga vs. Garden Grove Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria