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

Round Rock

Texas
122
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Round Rock is 46% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,713/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 40%
$97,187/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 13%
$383,700 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 175%
$1,781/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 38%
124,288
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Round Rock, TX and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $682/month cheaper in Round Rock, saving renters about $8,184/year.

Median household income is $12,886/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Round Rock is $383,700 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Round Rock vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Round Rock or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Round Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Round Rock and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Round Rock is $1,713/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $682/month.
Which city has higher income, Round Rock or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $97,187 in Round Rock and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $12,886/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 Round Rock or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Round Rock has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,713/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 Round Rock details → View Costa Mesa details →

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