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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Sacramento is 42% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,694/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 41%
$83,753/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 31%
$484,600 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 118%
$1,752/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 41%
524,802
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $701/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $8,412/year.

Median household income is $26,320/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Sacramento or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $701/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $26,320/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Sacramento or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Costa Mesa details →

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