Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Odessa, TX (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Mesa is 29% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,478/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↓ 11%
$78,779/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↓ 7%
$364,300 ↑ 75%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 43%
$1,404/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 11%
507,478
Population
114,080

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $156/month cheaper in Odessa, saving renters about $1,872/year.

Median household income is $5,749/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Odessa — common questions

Is Mesa or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Odessa?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $156/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Odessa?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $5,749/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

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