Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Mesa is 81% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,478/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 32%
$78,779/yr ↑ 72%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 42%
$364,300 ↑ 191%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 66%
$1,404/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 30%
507,478
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
10.9%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $480/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $5,760/year.

Median household income is $32,934/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Mesa or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Syracuse?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $480/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Syracuse?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $32,934/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and New York?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Syracuse details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Syracuse

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