Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Mesa is 20% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,478/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↓ 3%
$78,779/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↓ 13%
$364,300 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 68%
$1,404/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↑ 4%
507,478
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,401/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Mesa or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $47/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $10,401/year higher in Mesa.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View East Los Angeles details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and East Los Angeles

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs East Los Angeles vs. Lowell East Los Angeles vs. Carlsbad East Los Angeles vs. League City East Los Angeles vs. Waterbury East Los Angeles vs. High Point East Los Angeles vs. Provo