Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Reno, NV (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Reno

Nevada
122

Mesa is 12% cheaper than Reno.

$1,478/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,453/mo ↓ 2%
$78,779/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$78,448/yr ≈ Same
$364,300 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$498,600 ↑ 37%
$1,404/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,482/mo ↑ 6%
507,478
Population
268,959

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Reno, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $331/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $498,600 in Reno.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Reno — common questions

Is Mesa or Reno cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Reno?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Reno it's $1,453/month — a difference of $25/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Reno?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $78,448 in Reno. Median household income is $331/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Nevada?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Reno?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Reno has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,453/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Reno details →

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