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

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Aurora

Colorado
130

Mesa is 18% cheaper than Aurora.

$1,478/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↑ 19%
$78,779/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$84,320/yr ↑ 7%
$364,300 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$444,500 ↑ 22%
$1,404/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,762/mo ↑ 25%
507,478
Population
390,201

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
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Aurora, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $281/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $3,372/year.

Median household income is $5,541/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $444,500 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Aurora — common questions

Is Mesa or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Aurora?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Aurora it's $1,759/month — a difference of $281/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Aurora?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $84,320 in Aurora. Median household income is $5,541/year higher in Aurora.
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 Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Aurora has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,759/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Aurora details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Aurora

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