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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Tacoma is 45% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,597/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 50%
$83,857/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 31%
$454,600 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 132%
$1,747/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 41%
220,482
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $798/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $9,576/year.

Median household income is $26,216/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Tacoma or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $798/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $26,216/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Washington and California?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Costa Mesa details →

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