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

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Fremont

California
278

Mesa is 62% cheaper than Fremont.

$1,478/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,905/mo ↑ 97%
$78,779/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$176,350/yr ↑ 124%
$364,300 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$1,289,400 ↑ 254%
$1,404/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$3,000/mo ↑ 114%
507,478
Population
228,518

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
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Fremont, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 278 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,427/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $17,124/year.

Median household income is $97,571/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $1,289,400 in Fremont.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Fremont — common questions

Is Mesa or Fremont cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Fremont?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Fremont it's $2,905/month — a difference of $1,427/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Fremont?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $176,350 in Fremont. Median household income is $97,571/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Fremont has a cost index of 278 with rent of $2,905/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Fremont details →

More Comparisons

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Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Fremont vs. Santa Clarita Fremont vs. Richmond Fremont vs. Spokane Fremont vs. Baton Rouge Fremont vs. Enterprise Fremont vs. Hialeah