Cost of Living: Springfield, IL vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Springfield

Illinois
61
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Springfield is 73% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$945/mo ↓ 61%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 153%
$65,537/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 68%
$155,200 ↓ 85%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 580%
$974/mo ↓ 60%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 153%
113,714
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

17.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, IL and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,450/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $17,400/year.

Median household income is $44,536/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $155,200 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Springfield or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Springfield is $945/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,450/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $65,537 in Springfield and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $44,536/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and California?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $945/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 Springfield details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Springfield and Costa Mesa

Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces 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