Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Provo, UT (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Mesa is 5% more expensive than Provo.

$1,478/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↓ 22%
$78,779/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 20%
$364,300 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$437,100 ↑ 20%
$1,404/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↓ 13%
507,478
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.65%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $326/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $3,912/year.

Median household income is $15,979/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Provo — common questions

Is Mesa or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Provo is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Provo?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $326/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Provo?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $15,979/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Utah?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Provo details →

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