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

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Glendale

California
214

Mesa is 50% cheaper than Glendale.

$1,478/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$2,095/mo ↑ 42%
$78,779/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$84,262/yr ↑ 7%
$364,300 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$1,043,900 ↑ 187%
$1,404/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,212/mo ↑ 58%
507,478
Population
192,270

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
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Glendale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 214 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $617/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $7,404/year.

Median household income is $5,483/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $1,043,900 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Glendale — common questions

Is Mesa or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Glendale?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Glendale it's $2,095/month — a difference of $617/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Glendale?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $84,262 in Glendale. Median household income is $5,483/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Glendale has a cost index of 214 with rent of $2,095/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Glendale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Glendale

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Glendale vs. Vancouver Glendale vs. Providence Glendale vs. Knoxville Glendale vs. Akron Glendale vs. Peoria Glendale vs. Brownsville