Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Santa Clarita, CA (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Santa Clarita

California
197

Mesa is 46% cheaper than Santa Clarita.

$1,478/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$2,486/mo ↑ 68%
$78,779/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$119,926/yr ↑ 52%
$364,300 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$721,000 ↑ 98%
$1,404/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,649/mo ↑ 89%
507,478
Population
229,021

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Santa Clarita, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,008/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $12,096/year.

Median household income is $41,147/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $721,000 in Santa Clarita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Santa Clarita — common questions

Is Mesa or Santa Clarita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Santa Clarita?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Santa Clarita it's $2,486/month — a difference of $1,008/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Santa Clarita?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $119,926 in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $41,147/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Santa Clarita?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Santa Clarita details →

More Comparisons

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Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Santa Clarita vs. Spokane Santa Clarita vs. Fremont Santa Clarita vs. Enterprise Santa Clarita vs. Richmond Santa Clarita vs. Norfolk Santa Clarita vs. Baton Rouge