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

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Seattle is 14% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,998/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 20%
$121,984/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↓ 10%
$912,100 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 16%
$2,220/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 11%
741,440
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $397/month cheaper in Seattle, saving renters about $4,764/year.

Median household income is $11,911/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Seattle or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Seattle is cheaper to live in with an index of 196 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $397/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $11,911/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and California?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Costa Mesa

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