Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Allen, TX (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Mesa is 22% cheaper than Allen.

$1,478/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 27%
$78,779/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 64%
$364,300 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 18%
$1,404/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 48%
507,478
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $399/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $4,788/year.

Median household income is $50,351/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Allen residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Allen — common questions

Is Mesa or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Allen?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $399/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Allen?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $50,351/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Allen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Allen

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Allen vs. Tuscaloosa Allen vs. New York Allen vs. Tyler Allen vs. Los Angeles Allen vs. Riverview Allen vs. Chicago