Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Spokane, WA (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Spokane

Washington
90

Mesa is 19% more expensive than Spokane.

$1,478/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,141/mo ↓ 23%
$78,779/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$65,745/yr ↓ 17%
$364,300 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$326,200 ↓ 10%
$1,404/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,213/mo ↓ 14%
507,478
Population
229,228

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Spokane, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $337/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $4,044/year.

Median household income is $13,034/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $326,200 in Spokane.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Spokane residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Spokane — common questions

Is Mesa or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Spokane?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Spokane it's $1,141/month — a difference of $337/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Spokane?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $65,745 in Spokane. Median household income is $13,034/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Washington?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Spokane?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Spokane has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,141/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Spokane details →

More Comparisons

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