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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Santa Clarita is 14% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$2,486/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↓ 4%
$119,926/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↓ 8%
$721,000 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 46%
$2,649/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↓ 7%
229,021
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $91/month cheaper in Costa Mesa, saving renters about $1,092/year.

Median household income is $9,853/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Santa Clarita or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Clarita is cheaper to live in with an index of 197 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clarita and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $91/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $9,853/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Santa Clarita or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Santa Clarita details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clarita and Costa Mesa

Santa Clarita vs. Spokane Santa Clarita vs. Fremont Santa Clarita vs. Enterprise Santa Clarita vs. Richmond Santa Clarita vs. Norfolk Santa Clarita vs. Baton Rouge 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