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

Springfield

Missouri
60
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Springfield is 74% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$920/mo ↓ 62%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 160%
$45,984/yr ↓ 58%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 139%
$165,200 ↓ 84%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 538%
$908/mo ↓ 63%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 171%
169,432
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MO and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 60 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,475/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $17,700/year.

Median household income is $64,089/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $165,200 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Missouri 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 60 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Springfield is $920/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,475/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $45,984 in Springfield and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $64,089/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and California?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% 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 60 with median rent of $920/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. Fort Collins Springfield vs. Palmdale Springfield vs. Lancaster Springfield vs. Salinas Springfield vs. Pembroke Pines Springfield vs. Hayward 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