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

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Waco is 68% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,098/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 118%
$51,468/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 114%
$199,600 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 428%
$1,094/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 125%
141,925
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,297/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $15,564/year.

Median household income is $58,605/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Waco or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,297/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $58,605/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Waco or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/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 Waco details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Waco and Costa Mesa

Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange 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