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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Mesa

Arizona
107

San Diego is 84% more expensive than Mesa.

$2,223/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$1,478/mo ↓ 34%
$104,321/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$78,779/yr ↓ 24%
$848,500 ↑ 133%
Home Value
$364,300 ↓ 57%
$2,308/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$1,404/mo ↓ 39%
1,385,061
Population
507,478

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Mesa, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 107 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $745/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $8,940/year.

Median household income is $25,542/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $364,300 in Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Mesa — common questions

Is San Diego or Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Mesa?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Mesa it's $1,478/month — a difference of $745/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Mesa?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $78,779 in Mesa. Median household income is $25,542/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Mesa details →

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