Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Mesa is 10% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,478/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 8%
$78,779/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 3%
$364,300 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 8%
$1,404/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 19%
507,478
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $125/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $1,500/year.

Median household income is $2,574/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Lowell — common questions

Is Mesa or Lowell 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 Lowell?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $125/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Lowell?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $2,574/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Massachusetts?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Lowell details →

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