Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Tempe, AZ (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Mesa is 11% cheaper than Tempe.

$1,478/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↑ 10%
$78,779/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↓ 1%
$364,300 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$421,900 ↑ 16%
$1,404/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↑ 11%
507,478
Population
186,419

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $145/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $1,740/year.

Median household income is $1,136/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Arizona.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Tempe — common questions

Is Mesa or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Tempe?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $145/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Tempe?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $1,136/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Arizona?
Both cities are in Arizona and share the same state tax rates: 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Tempe details →

More Comparisons

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