Mesa, AZ vs Santa Maria, CA: 107 vs 137

$1,478/mo ↓ 20%

Median Rent

$1,842/mo ↑ 25%

$78,779/yr ↓ 7%

Median Income

$84,617/yr ↑ 7%

$364,300 ↓ 24%

Home Value

$478,200 ↑ 31%

$1,404/mo ↓ 22%

Owner Costs

$1,789/mo ↑ 27%

507,478

Population

109,880

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $364/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $4,368/year.

Median household income is $5,838/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Mesa or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 137 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Mesa and Santa Maria?

Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $364/month.

Which city has higher income, Mesa or Santa Maria?

Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $5,838/year higher in Santa Maria.

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 Maria?

It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Mesa

Santa Maria

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

More Comparisons