Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Mesa, AZ (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Mesa

Arizona
107

Denver is 37% more expensive than Mesa.

$1,770/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,478/mo ↓ 16%
$91,681/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$78,779/yr ↓ 14%
$586,700 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$364,300 ↓ 38%
$1,839/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,404/mo ↓ 24%
713,734
Population
507,478

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
2.5%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Mesa, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 107 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $292/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $3,504/year.

Median household income is $12,902/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $364,300 in Mesa.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Mesa — common questions

Is Denver or Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Mesa?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Mesa it's $1,478/month — a difference of $292/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Mesa?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $78,779 in Mesa. Median household income is $12,902/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Arizona?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Mesa has a cost index of 107 with rent of $1,478/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Denver details → View Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Mesa

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