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

Vallejo

California
155
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Vallejo is 32% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$2,013/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 19%
$89,496/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 23%
$557,500 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 89%
$2,058/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 20%
124,637
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

27.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Vallejo, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 155 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $382/month cheaper in Vallejo, saving renters about $4,584/year.

Median household income is $20,577/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Vallejo is $557,500 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Vallejo vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Vallejo or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Vallejo is cheaper to live in with an index of 155 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Vallejo and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Vallejo is $2,013/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $382/month.
Which city has higher income, Vallejo or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $89,496 in Vallejo and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $20,577/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Vallejo or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Vallejo has a cost index of 155 with median rent of $2,013/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 Vallejo details → View Costa Mesa details →

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