Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Reno is 46% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,453/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 65%
$78,448/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 40%
$498,600 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 112%
$1,482/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 66%
268,959
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $942/month cheaper in Reno, saving renters about $11,304/year.

Median household income is $31,625/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Reno or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Reno is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $942/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $31,625/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and California?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

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