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

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Mesa is 53% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$1,478/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 64%
$78,779/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 52%
$364,300 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 187%
$1,404/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 74%
507,478
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $946/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $11,352/year.

Median household income is $41,106/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Mesa or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $946/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $41,106/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Huntington Beach details →

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