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

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Plano

Texas
132

Mesa is 19% cheaper than Plano.

$1,478/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 21%
$78,779/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$108,649/yr ↑ 38%
$364,300 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$440,600 ↑ 21%
$1,404/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,829/mo ↑ 30%
507,478
Population
287,339

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
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Plano, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $314/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $3,768/year.

Median household income is $29,870/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $440,600 in Plano.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Plano — common questions

Is Mesa or Plano cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Plano?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Plano it's $1,792/month — a difference of $314/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Plano?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $108,649 in Plano. Median household income is $29,870/year higher in Plano.
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 Plano?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Plano has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Plano details →

More Comparisons

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