Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Mesa is 24% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,478/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 18%
$78,779/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 9%
$364,300 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 50%
$1,404/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 23%
507,478
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $268/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $3,216/year.

Median household income is $7,010/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Mesa or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Lakewood?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $268/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Lakewood?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $7,010/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Colorado?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Lakewood

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield