Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Kent, WA (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Mesa is 26% cheaper than Kent.

$1,478/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 24%
$78,779/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 15%
$364,300 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 48%
$1,404/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 36%
507,478
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $355/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $4,260/year.

Median household income is $11,637/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Kent — common questions

Is Mesa or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Kent?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $355/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Kent?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $11,637/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Washington?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Kent details →

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