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

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Mesa is 36% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,478/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 48%
$78,779/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 30%
$364,300 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 63%
$1,404/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 59%
507,478
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $713/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $8,556/year.

Median household income is $23,542/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Mesa or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Fairfield?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $713/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Fairfield?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $23,542/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Fairfield

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill