Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Durham, NC (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Mesa and Durham have a similar cost of living.

$1,478/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↓ 4%
$78,779/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$79,234/yr ≈ Same
$364,300 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$355,300 ↓ 2%
$1,404/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↑ 2%
507,478
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $66/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $792/year.

Median household income is $455/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Durham — common questions

Is Mesa or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Durham?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $66/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Durham?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $455/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and North Carolina?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Durham details →

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