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

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Mesa is 15% cheaper than Tacoma.

$1,478/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↑ 8%
$78,779/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↑ 6%
$364,300 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$454,600 ↑ 25%
$1,404/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↑ 24%
507,478
Population
220,482

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
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $119/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $1,428/year.

Median household income is $5,078/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Mesa or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Tacoma?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $119/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Tacoma?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $5,078/year higher in Tacoma.
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 Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Tacoma details →

More Comparisons

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