Cost of Living: West Valley City, UT vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

West Valley City

Utah
109
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

West Valley City is 52% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,445/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 66%
$88,604/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 24%
$377,300 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 180%
$1,473/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 67%
137,955
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing West Valley City, UT and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $950/month cheaper in West Valley City, saving renters about $11,400/year.

Median household income is $21,469/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in West Valley City is $377,300 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making West Valley City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

West Valley City vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is West Valley City or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, West Valley City is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between West Valley City and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in West Valley City is $1,445/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $950/month.
Which city has higher income, West Valley City or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $88,604 in West Valley City and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $21,469/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Utah and California?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to West Valley City or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. West Valley City has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,445/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 West Valley City details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

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