Cost of Living: Richardson, TX vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Richardson

Texas
128
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Richardson is 44% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,825/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 31%
$96,257/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 14%
$405,600 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 160%
$1,796/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 37%
118,269
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richardson, TX and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $570/month cheaper in Richardson, saving renters about $6,840/year.

Median household income is $13,816/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richardson is $405,600 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richardson vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Richardson or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richardson is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richardson and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Richardson is $1,825/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $570/month.
Which city has higher income, Richardson or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $96,257 in Richardson and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $13,816/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Richardson or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Richardson has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,825/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 Richardson details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Richardson and Costa Mesa

Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater 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