Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Minneapolis, MN (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102

Mesa is 5% more expensive than Minneapolis.

$1,478/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,329/mo ↓ 10%
$78,779/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$80,269/yr ↑ 2%
$364,300 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$345,600 ↓ 5%
$1,404/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,513/mo ↑ 8%
507,478
Population
426,845

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
9.85%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Minneapolis, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $149/month cheaper in Minneapolis, saving renters about $1,788/year.

Median household income is $1,490/year higher in Minneapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $345,600 in Minneapolis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Minneapolis — common questions

Is Mesa or Minneapolis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Minneapolis?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Minneapolis it's $1,329/month — a difference of $149/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Minneapolis?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $80,269 in Minneapolis. Median household income is $1,490/year higher in Minneapolis.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Minnesota?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Minneapolis?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,329/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Minneapolis details →

More Comparisons

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