Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Mesa is 38% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,478/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 37%
$78,779/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 44%
$364,300 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 91%
$1,404/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 55%
507,478
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $553/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $6,636/year.

Median household income is $34,859/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Mesa or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Alexandria?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $553/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Alexandria?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $34,859/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Virginia?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Alexandria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Alexandria

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen