Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Rancho Cucamonga, CA (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Rancho Cucamonga

California
182

Mesa is 41% cheaper than Rancho Cucamonga.

$1,478/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,286/mo ↑ 55%
$78,779/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$109,511/yr ↑ 39%
$364,300 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$694,400 ↑ 91%
$1,404/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,324/mo ↑ 66%
507,478
Population
174,693

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Rancho Cucamonga, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 182 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $808/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $9,696/year.

Median household income is $30,732/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $694,400 in Rancho Cucamonga.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Rancho Cucamonga — common questions

Is Mesa or Rancho Cucamonga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Rancho Cucamonga?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Rancho Cucamonga it's $2,286/month — a difference of $808/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Rancho Cucamonga?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $109,511 in Rancho Cucamonga. Median household income is $30,732/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Rancho Cucamonga?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Rancho Cucamonga has a cost index of 182 with rent of $2,286/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Rancho Cucamonga details →

More Comparisons

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