Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Tampa, FL (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Tampa

Florida
113

Mesa is 5% cheaper than Tampa.

$1,478/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,567/mo ↑ 6%
$78,779/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$71,302/yr ↓ 9%
$364,300 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$375,300 ↑ 3%
$1,404/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 11%
507,478
Population
393,389

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Tampa, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $89/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $1,068/year.

Median household income is $7,477/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $375,300 in Tampa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Tampa — common questions

Is Mesa or Tampa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Tampa?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Tampa it's $1,567/month — a difference of $89/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Tampa?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $71,302 in Tampa. Median household income is $7,477/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Florida?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Tampa?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Tampa has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,567/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Tampa details →

More Comparisons

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