Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Concord, CA (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Concord

California
187

Mesa is 43% cheaper than Concord.

$1,478/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,226/mo ↑ 51%
$78,779/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$109,195/yr ↑ 39%
$364,300 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$755,900 ↑ 107%
$1,404/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,284/mo ↑ 63%
507,478
Population
124,260

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Concord, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 187 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $748/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $8,976/year.

Median household income is $30,416/year higher in Concord. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $755,900 in Concord.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Concord — common questions

Is Mesa or Concord cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Concord?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Concord it's $2,226/month — a difference of $748/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Concord?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $109,195 in Concord. Median household income is $30,416/year higher in Concord.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Concord?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Concord has a cost index of 187 with rent of $2,226/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Concord details →

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