Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Mesa is 30% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,478/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 22%
$78,779/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 44%
$364,300 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 65%
$1,404/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 39%
507,478
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $324/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $3,888/year.

Median household income is $34,617/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Arvada — common questions

Is Mesa or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Arvada?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $324/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Arvada?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $34,617/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Colorado?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Arvada details →

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