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

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Round Rock

Texas
122

Mesa is 12% cheaper than Round Rock.

$1,478/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,713/mo ↑ 16%
$78,779/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$97,187/yr ↑ 23%
$364,300 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$383,700 ↑ 5%
$1,404/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,781/mo ↑ 27%
507,478
Population
124,288

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Round Rock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $235/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $2,820/year.

Median household income is $18,408/year higher in Round Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $383,700 in Round Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Round Rock — common questions

Is Mesa or Round Rock 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 Round Rock?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Round Rock it's $1,713/month — a difference of $235/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Round Rock?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $97,187 in Round Rock. Median household income is $18,408/year higher in Round Rock.
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 Round Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Round Rock has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,713/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Round Rock details →

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