Cost of Living: Richmond, VA vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Richmond is 57% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,314/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 82%
$62,671/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 76%
$328,100 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 221%
$1,374/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 79%
227,595
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,081/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $12,972/year.

Median household income is $47,402/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Richmond slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Richmond or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,081/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $47,402/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Richmond or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Richmond and Costa Mesa

Richmond vs. Fremont Richmond vs. Baton Rouge Richmond vs. Santa Clarita Richmond vs. Hialeah Richmond vs. Spokane Richmond vs. San Bernardino 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