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

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Mesa

Arizona
107

Phoenix and Mesa have a similar cost of living.

$1,458/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,478/mo ↑ 1%
$77,041/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$78,779/yr ↑ 2%
$381,900 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$364,300 ↓ 5%
$1,430/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,404/mo ↓ 2%
1,624,832
Population
507,478

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Mesa, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 107 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,738/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $364,300 in Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Mesa — common questions

Is Phoenix or Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Mesa?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Mesa it's $1,478/month — a difference of $20/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Mesa?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $78,779 in Mesa. Median household income is $1,738/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 Phoenix or Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/mo, while Mesa has a cost index of 107 with rent of $1,478/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Phoenix details → View Mesa details →

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