Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Torrance, CA (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Torrance

California
218

Mesa is 51% cheaper than Torrance.

$1,478/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↑ 50%
$78,779/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↑ 44%
$364,300 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 185%
$1,404/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↑ 63%
507,478
Population
143,499

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $736/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $8,832/year.

Median household income is $34,326/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Torrance — common questions

Is Mesa or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Torrance?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $736/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Torrance?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $34,326/year higher in Torrance.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Torrance details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Torrance

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Torrance vs. Gainesville Torrance vs. Thornton Torrance vs. Olathe Torrance vs. Visalia Torrance vs. McAllen Torrance vs. Waco