Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Richardson, TX (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Mesa is 16% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,478/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 23%
$78,779/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 22%
$364,300 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 11%
$1,404/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 28%
507,478
Population
118,269

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $347/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $4,164/year.

Median household income is $17,478/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Richardson — common questions

Is Mesa or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Richardson?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $347/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Richardson?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $17,478/year higher in Richardson.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

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