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

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Mesa is 47% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,478/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 54%
$78,779/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 78%
$364,300 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 137%
$1,404/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 72%
507,478
Population
235,463

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
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $797/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $9,564/year.

Median household income is $61,381/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Arlington — common questions

Is Mesa or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 203 (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 $2,275/month — a difference of $797/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Arlington?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $61,381/year higher in Arlington.
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 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 203 with rent of $2,275/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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