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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Mesa

Arizona
107

Sacramento is 25% more expensive than Mesa.

$1,694/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,478/mo ↓ 13%
$83,753/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$78,779/yr ↓ 6%
$484,600 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$364,300 ↓ 25%
$1,752/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,404/mo ↓ 20%
524,802
Population
507,478

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Mesa, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 107 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $216/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $2,592/year.

Median household income is $4,974/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $364,300 in Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Mesa — common questions

Is Sacramento or Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Mesa?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Mesa it's $1,478/month — a difference of $216/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Mesa?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $78,779 in Mesa. Median household income is $4,974/year higher in Sacramento.
How do taxes compare between California and Arizona?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Sacramento or Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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.
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