Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Mesa is 9% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$1,478/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↓ 9%
$78,779/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↓ 5%
$364,300 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 36%
$1,404/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ≈ Same
507,478
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.65%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $135/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $1,620/year.

Median household income is $3,854/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Mesa or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $135/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $3,854/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Utah?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Salt Lake City details →

More Comparisons

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