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

Vancouver

Washington
123
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Vancouver is 46% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,632/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 47%
$78,156/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 41%
$440,300 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 140%
$1,607/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 53%
192,696
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Vancouver, WA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 123 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $763/month cheaper in Vancouver, saving renters about $9,156/year.

Median household income is $31,917/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Vancouver is $440,300 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Vancouver vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Vancouver or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Vancouver is cheaper to live in with an index of 123 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Vancouver and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Vancouver is $1,632/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $763/month.
Which city has higher income, Vancouver or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $78,156 in Vancouver and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $31,917/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 Vancouver or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with median rent of $1,632/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 Vancouver details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Vancouver and Costa Mesa

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