Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs San Bernardino, CA (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Mesa and San Bernardino have a similar cost of living.

$1,478/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↓ 3%
$78,779/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 19%
$364,300 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$384,900 ↑ 6%
$1,404/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↑ 5%
507,478
Population
221,774

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,791/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Mesa or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $45/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $14,791/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,433/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View San Bernardino details →

More Comparisons

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