Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs St. Louis, MO (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

St. Louis

Missouri
66

Mesa is 62% more expensive than St. Louis.

$1,478/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$978/mo ↓ 34%
$78,779/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$55,279/yr ↓ 30%
$364,300 ↑ 97%
Home Value
$185,100 ↓ 49%
$1,404/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,013/mo ↓ 28%
507,478
Population
293,109

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $500/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $6,000/year.

Median household income is $23,500/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $185,100 in St. Louis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs St. Louis — common questions

Is Mesa or St. Louis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and St. Louis?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $500/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or St. Louis?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $23,500/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Missouri?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or St. Louis?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with rent of $978/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View St. Louis details →

More Comparisons

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