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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Surprise is 45% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,917/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 25%
$93,371/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 18%
$396,000 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 166%
$1,587/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 55%
149,519
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

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $478/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $5,736/year.

Median household income is $16,702/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Surprise or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $478/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $16,702/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 Surprise or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Costa Mesa

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite 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