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

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119

Mesa is 12% cheaper than Colorado Springs.

$1,478/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,562/mo ↑ 6%
$78,779/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$83,198/yr ↑ 6%
$364,300 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$420,700 ↑ 15%
$1,404/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,592/mo ↑ 13%
507,478
Population
483,099

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Colorado Springs, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $84/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $1,008/year.

Median household income is $4,419/year higher in Colorado Springs. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $420,700 in Colorado Springs.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Colorado Springs — common questions

Is Mesa or Colorado Springs cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Colorado Springs?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Colorado Springs it's $1,562/month — a difference of $84/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Colorado Springs?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $83,198 in Colorado Springs. Median household income is $4,419/year higher in Colorado Springs.
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 Colorado Springs?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Colorado Springs has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,562/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Colorado Springs details →