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

Sunnyvale

California
341
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Sunnyvale is 50% more expensive than Costa Mesa.

$3,065/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↓ 22%
$181,862/yr ↑ 65%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↓ 39%
$1,816,600 ↑ 72%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↓ 42%
$3,016/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↓ 18%
153,455
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

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sunnyvale, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 341 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $670/month cheaper in Costa Mesa, saving renters about $8,040/year.

Median household income is $71,789/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sunnyvale is $1,816,600 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunnyvale vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Sunnyvale or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Costa Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 228 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sunnyvale and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Sunnyvale is $3,065/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $670/month.
Which city has higher income, Sunnyvale or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $181,862 in Sunnyvale and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $71,789/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with median rent of $3,065/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 Sunnyvale details → View Costa Mesa details →

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