Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Mesa is 75% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,478/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 36%
$78,779/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 25%
$364,300 ↑ 144%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 59%
$1,404/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 28%
507,478
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $527/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $6,324/year.

Median household income is $20,063/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Peoria — common questions

Is Mesa or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Peoria?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $527/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Peoria?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $20,063/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Illinois?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Peoria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Peoria

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Peoria vs. Pompano Beach Peoria vs. Downey Peoria vs. Lansing Peoria vs. Murrieta Peoria vs. Las Cruces Peoria vs. Pueblo