Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Toledo, OH (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Toledo

Ohio
52

Mesa is 106% more expensive than Toledo.

$1,478/mo ↑ 68%
Median Rent
$880/mo ↓ 40%
$78,779/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$47,532/yr ↓ 40%
$364,300 ↑ 240%
Home Value
$107,000 ↓ 71%
$1,404/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$856/mo ↓ 39%
507,478
Population
268,461

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
3.5%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Toledo, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 52 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $598/month cheaper in Toledo, saving renters about $7,176/year.

Median household income is $31,247/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $107,000 in Toledo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Toledo — common questions

Is Mesa or Toledo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Toledo is cheaper to live in with an index of 52 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Toledo?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Toledo it's $880/month — a difference of $598/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Toledo?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $47,532 in Toledo. Median household income is $31,247/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Ohio?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Toledo?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Toledo has a cost index of 52 with rent of $880/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Toledo details →

More Comparisons

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