Mesa, AZ vs Santa Rosa, CA: 107 vs 172

$1,478/mo ↓ 29%

Median Rent

$2,084/mo ↑ 41%

$78,779/yr ↓ 19%

Median Income

$97,410/yr ↑ 24%

$364,300 ↓ 47%

Home Value

$685,000 ↑ 88%

$1,404/mo ↓ 34%

Owner Costs

$2,130/mo ↑ 52%

507,478

Population

177,216

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $606/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $7,272/year.

Median household income is $18,631/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Mesa or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Mesa and Santa Rosa?

Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $606/month.

Which city has higher income, Mesa or Santa Rosa?

Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $18,631/year higher in Santa Rosa.

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 Rosa?

It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Mesa

Santa Rosa

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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