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

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Scottsdale is 28% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,910/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 25%
$107,372/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 3%
$709,900 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 49%
$1,824/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 35%
242,169
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $485/month cheaper in Scottsdale, saving renters about $5,820/year.

Median household income is $2,701/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Scottsdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 165 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $485/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $2,701/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Scottsdale and Costa Mesa

Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk 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