Tempe, AZ vs Costa Mesa, CA: 120 vs 228

$1,623/mo ↓ 32%

Median Rent

$2,395/mo ↑ 48%

$77,643/yr ↓ 29%

Median Income

$110,073/yr ↑ 42%

$421,900 ↓ 60%

Home Value

$1,054,700 ↑ 150%

$1,554/mo ↓ 37%

Owner Costs

$2,462/mo ↑ 58%

186,419

Population

110,538

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $772/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $9,264/year.

Median household income is $32,430/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Tempe or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 228 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Tempe and Costa Mesa?

Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $772/month.

Which city has higher income, Tempe or Costa Mesa?

Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $32,430/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 Tempe or Costa Mesa?

It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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.

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

Tempe

Costa Mesa

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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