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

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Washington is 25% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,900/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 26%
$106,287/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 4%
$724,600 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 46%
$2,103/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 17%
672,079
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $495/month cheaper in Washington, saving renters about $5,940/year.

Median household income is $3,786/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

District of Columbia has a lower income tax rate, making Washington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Washington or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Washington is cheaper to live in with an index of 171 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $495/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $3,786/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and California?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Costa Mesa details →

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