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

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Vallejo

California
155

Mesa is 31% cheaper than Vallejo.

$1,478/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$2,013/mo ↑ 36%
$78,779/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$89,496/yr ↑ 14%
$364,300 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$557,500 ↑ 53%
$1,404/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,058/mo ↑ 47%
507,478
Population
124,637

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
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Vallejo, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 155 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $535/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $6,420/year.

Median household income is $10,717/year higher in Vallejo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $557,500 in Vallejo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Vallejo — common questions

Is Mesa or Vallejo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 155 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Vallejo?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Vallejo it's $2,013/month — a difference of $535/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Vallejo?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $89,496 in Vallejo. Median household income is $10,717/year higher in Vallejo.
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 Vallejo?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Vallejo has a cost index of 155 with rent of $2,013/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Vallejo details →

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