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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

San Francisco is 17% more expensive than Costa Mesa.

$2,419/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ≈ Same
$141,446/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↓ 22%
$1,380,500 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↓ 24%
$2,620/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↓ 6%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $31,373/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is San Francisco or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Costa Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 228 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $24/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $31,373/year higher in San Francisco.
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 San Francisco or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Costa Mesa details →

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