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

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Mesa is 51% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,478/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 50%
$78,779/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 32%
$364,300 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 187%
$1,404/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 67%
507,478
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $740/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $8,880/year.

Median household income is $24,999/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Mesa or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Pasadena?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $740/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Pasadena?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $24,999/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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