Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Rochester, NY (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Mesa is 75% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,478/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↓ 30%
$78,779/yr ↑ 69%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 41%
$364,300 ↑ 202%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 67%
$1,404/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 28%
507,478
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
10.9%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $439/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $5,268/year.

Median household income is $32,151/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $120,600 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Rochester — common questions

Is Mesa or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Rochester?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Rochester it's $1,039/month — a difference of $439/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Rochester?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $32,151/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and New York?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 61 with rent of $1,039/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Rochester

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