Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Vancouver, WA (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Vancouver

Washington
123

Mesa is 13% cheaper than Vancouver.

$1,478/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 10%
$78,779/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$78,156/yr ≈ Same
$364,300 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$440,300 ↑ 21%
$1,404/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 14%
507,478
Population
192,696

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Vancouver, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 123 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $154/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $1,848/year.

Median household income is $623/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $440,300 in Vancouver.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Vancouver — common questions

Is Mesa or Vancouver cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 123 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Vancouver?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Vancouver it's $1,632/month — a difference of $154/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Vancouver?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $78,156 in Vancouver. Median household income is $623/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Washington?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Vancouver?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View Vancouver details →

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