Cost of Living: Rochester, NY vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Rochester is 73% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,039/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 131%
$46,628/yr ↓ 58%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 136%
$120,600 ↓ 89%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 775%
$1,009/mo ↓ 59%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 144%
209,720
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,356/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $16,272/year.

Median household income is $63,445/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

New York has a lower income tax rate, making Rochester slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Rochester or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,356/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $63,445/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between New York and California?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/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 Rochester details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rochester and Costa Mesa

Rochester vs. Frisco Rochester vs. Fayetteville Rochester vs. Moreno Valley Rochester vs. Yonkers Rochester vs. Fontana Rochester vs. Cape Coral 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