Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Mesa, AZ (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Mesa

Arizona
107

Los Angeles is 75% more expensive than Mesa.

$1,879/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,478/mo ↓ 21%
$80,366/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$78,779/yr ↓ 2%
$879,500 ↑ 141%
Home Value
$364,300 ↓ 59%
$2,055/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,404/mo ↓ 32%
3,857,897
Population
507,478

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Mesa, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 107 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $401/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $4,812/year.

Median household income is $1,587/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $364,300 in Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Mesa — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Mesa?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Mesa it's $1,478/month — a difference of $401/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Mesa?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $78,779 in Mesa. Median household income is $1,587/year higher in Los Angeles.
How do taxes compare between California and Arizona?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Mesa details →

More Comparisons

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