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

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Denton

Texas
100

Mesa is 7% more expensive than Denton.

$1,478/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,344/mo ↓ 9%
$78,779/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$73,719/yr ↓ 6%
$364,300 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$325,700 ↓ 11%
$1,404/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,461/mo ↑ 4%
507,478
Population
146,987

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
21.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Denton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $134/month cheaper in Denton, saving renters about $1,608/year.

Median household income is $5,060/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $325,700 in Denton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Denton — common questions

Is Mesa or Denton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denton is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Denton?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Denton it's $1,344/month — a difference of $134/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Denton?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $73,719 in Denton. Median household income is $5,060/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 Denton?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Denton has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,344/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Denton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Denton

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Denton vs. Savannah Denton vs. Syracuse Denton vs. Rockford Denton vs. McAllen Denton vs. Bridgeport Denton vs. Olathe