Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Gresham, OR (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Gresham

Oregon
119

Mesa is 10% cheaper than Gresham.

$1,478/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,508/mo ↑ 2%
$78,779/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$73,608/yr ↓ 7%
$364,300 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$440,000 ↑ 21%
$1,404/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,590/mo ↑ 13%
507,478
Population
112,818

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
9.9%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Gresham, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,171/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $440,000 in Gresham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Gresham — common questions

Is Mesa or Gresham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Gresham?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Gresham it's $1,508/month — a difference of $30/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Gresham?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $73,608 in Gresham. Median household income is $5,171/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Oregon?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Gresham?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Gresham has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,508/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Gresham details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Gresham

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Gresham vs. Beaumont Gresham vs. Las Cruces Gresham vs. Springfield Gresham vs. Lansing Gresham vs. Odessa Gresham vs. Pompano Beach