Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Raleigh, NC (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Raleigh

North Carolina
110

Mesa is 3% cheaper than Raleigh.

$1,478/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,468/mo ≈ Same
$78,779/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$82,424/yr ↑ 5%
$364,300 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$377,800 ↑ 4%
$1,404/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,487/mo ↑ 6%
507,478
Population
470,763

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Raleigh, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 110 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,645/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $377,800 in Raleigh.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Raleigh — common questions

Is Mesa or Raleigh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Raleigh?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Raleigh it's $1,468/month — a difference of $10/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Raleigh?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $82,424 in Raleigh. Median household income is $3,645/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and North Carolina?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Raleigh?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with rent of $1,468/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Raleigh details →

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