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

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Arlington

Texas
95

Mesa is 13% more expensive than Arlington.

$1,478/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,389/mo ↓ 6%
$78,779/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$73,519/yr ↓ 7%
$364,300 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$276,400 ↓ 24%
$1,404/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,420/mo ↑ 1%
507,478
Population
394,769

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
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Arlington, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $89/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $1,068/year.

Median household income is $5,260/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $276,400 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Arlington — common questions

Is Mesa or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Arlington?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Arlington it's $1,389/month — a difference of $89/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Arlington?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $73,519 in Arlington. Median household income is $5,260/year higher in Mesa.
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 Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,389/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Arlington details →

More Comparisons

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