Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Mesa is 35% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,478/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 25%
$78,779/yr ↑ 53%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 35%
$364,300 ↑ 64%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 39%
$1,404/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 9%
507,478
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $364/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $4,368/year.

Median household income is $27,440/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Springfield — common questions

Is Mesa or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Springfield?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $364/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Springfield?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $27,440/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Massachusetts?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Springfield details →

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