Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Mesa is 35% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,478/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 14%
$78,779/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 17%
$364,300 ↑ 77%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 43%
$1,404/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 16%
507,478
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $214/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $2,568/year.

Median household income is $13,587/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Mesa or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Dearborn?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $214/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Dearborn?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $13,587/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Michigan?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Dearborn details →

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