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

Torrance

California
218
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Torrance is 4% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$2,214/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 8%
$113,105/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↓ 3%
$1,036,600 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 2%
$2,295/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 7%
143,499
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

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Torrance, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 218 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $181/month cheaper in Torrance, saving renters about $2,172/year.

Median household income is $3,032/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Torrance is $1,036,600 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Torrance vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Torrance or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Torrance is cheaper to live in with an index of 218 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Torrance and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Torrance is $2,214/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $181/month.
Which city has higher income, Torrance or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $113,105 in Torrance and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $3,032/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Torrance has a cost index of 218 with median rent of $2,214/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 Torrance details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Torrance and Costa Mesa

Torrance vs. Gainesville Torrance vs. Thornton Torrance vs. Olathe Torrance vs. Visalia Torrance vs. McAllen Torrance vs. Waco 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