Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Mesa is 57% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,478/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 69%
$78,779/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 105%
$364,300 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 230%
$1,404/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 84%
507,478
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,027/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $12,324/year.

Median household income is $82,521/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Mesa or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Bellevue?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,027/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Bellevue?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $82,521/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Washington?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Bellevue details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Bellevue

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet