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

San Antonio

Texas
82
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

San Antonio is 64% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,258/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 90%
$62,917/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 75%
$219,700 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 380%
$1,235/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 99%
1,458,954
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Antonio, TX and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,137/month cheaper in San Antonio, saving renters about $13,644/year.

Median household income is $47,156/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Antonio is $219,700 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Antonio vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is San Antonio or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Antonio is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Antonio and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in San Antonio is $1,258/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,137/month.
Which city has higher income, San Antonio or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $62,917 in San Antonio and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $47,156/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 San Antonio or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. San Antonio has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,258/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 San Antonio details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Antonio and Costa Mesa

San Antonio vs. Philadelphia San Antonio vs. San Diego San Antonio vs. Phoenix San Antonio vs. Dallas San Antonio vs. Houston San Antonio vs. San Jose 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