Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Mesa is 12% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$1,478/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 5%
$78,779/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 3%
$364,300 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 19%
$1,404/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 17%
507,478
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $74/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $888/year.

Median household income is $2,310/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Mesa or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $74/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $2,310/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Michigan?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Ann Arbor details →

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