Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Pueblo, CO (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Pueblo

Colorado
72

Mesa is 49% more expensive than Pueblo.

$1,478/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,020/mo ↓ 31%
$78,779/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$55,305/yr ↓ 30%
$364,300 ↑ 58%
Home Value
$230,900 ↓ 37%
$1,404/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,011/mo ↓ 28%
507,478
Population
111,514

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Pueblo, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $458/month cheaper in Pueblo, saving renters about $5,496/year.

Median household income is $23,474/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $230,900 in Pueblo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Pueblo — common questions

Is Mesa or Pueblo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pueblo is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Pueblo?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Pueblo it's $1,020/month — a difference of $458/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Pueblo?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $55,305 in Pueblo. Median household income is $23,474/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Colorado?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Pueblo?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Pueblo has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,020/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Pueblo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Pueblo

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Pueblo vs. Murrieta Pueblo vs. Miami Gardens Pueblo vs. Downey Pueblo vs. Everett Pueblo vs. Peoria Pueblo vs. Costa Mesa