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

Syracuse

New York
59
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Syracuse is 74% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$998/mo ↓ 58%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 140%
$45,845/yr ↓ 58%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 140%
$125,100 ↓ 88%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 743%
$980/mo ↓ 60%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 151%
146,211
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Syracuse, NY and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 59 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,397/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $16,764/year.

Median household income is $64,228/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Syracuse is $125,100 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

New York has a lower income tax rate, making Syracuse slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Syracuse vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Syracuse or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Syracuse and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Syracuse is $998/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,397/month.
Which city has higher income, Syracuse or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $45,845 in Syracuse and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $64,228/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between New York and California?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Syracuse or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with median rent of $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 Syracuse details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Syracuse and Costa Mesa

Syracuse vs. Denton Syracuse vs. McAllen Syracuse vs. Savannah Syracuse vs. Olathe Syracuse vs. Rockford Syracuse vs. Gainesville 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