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

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Modesto

California
120

Mesa is 11% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,478/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 9%
$78,779/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 1%
$364,300 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 14%
$1,404/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 15%
507,478
Population
218,614

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
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $131/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $1,572/year.

Median household income is $880/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Modesto — common questions

Is Mesa or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Modesto?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $131/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Modesto?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $880/year higher in Mesa.
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 Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

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