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

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Anaheim

California
182

Mesa is 41% cheaper than Anaheim.

$1,478/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$2,082/mo ↑ 41%
$78,779/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$90,583/yr ↑ 15%
$364,300 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$771,700 ↑ 112%
$1,404/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,165/mo ↑ 54%
507,478
Population
344,553

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Anaheim, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 182 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $604/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $7,248/year.

Median household income is $11,804/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $771,700 in Anaheim.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Anaheim — common questions

Is Mesa or Anaheim cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Anaheim?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Anaheim it's $2,082/month — a difference of $604/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Anaheim?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $90,583 in Anaheim. Median household income is $11,804/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Anaheim?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with rent of $2,082/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Anaheim details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Anaheim

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