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

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Mesa is 18% more expensive than College Station.

$1,478/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 21%
$78,779/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 34%
$364,300 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 10%
$1,404/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 11%
507,478
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $310/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $3,720/year.

Median household income is $27,003/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs College Station — common questions

Is Mesa or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and College Station?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $310/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or College Station?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $27,003/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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and College Station

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette