Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Orlando, FL (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Orlando

Florida
115

Mesa is 7% cheaper than Orlando.

$1,478/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,650/mo ↑ 12%
$78,779/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$69,268/yr ↓ 12%
$364,300 ↑ 1%
Home Value
$359,000 ↓ 1%
$1,404/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,621/mo ↑ 15%
507,478
Population
311,732

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Orlando, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $172/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $2,064/year.

Median household income is $9,511/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $359,000 in Orlando.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Orlando — common questions

Is Mesa or Orlando cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Orlando?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Orlando it's $1,650/month — a difference of $172/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Orlando?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $69,268 in Orlando. Median household income is $9,511/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Florida?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Orlando?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Orlando has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,650/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Orlando details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Orlando

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