Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Mesa is 35% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,478/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 29%
$78,779/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 36%
$364,300 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 95%
$1,404/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 30%
507,478
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $432/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $5,184/year.

Median household income is $28,593/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Arizona.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Mesa or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $432/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $28,593/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Arizona?
Both cities are in Arizona and share the same state tax rates: 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Scottsdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Scottsdale

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk