Is Mesa, AZ cheaper than Austin, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Mesa, AZ is 0.2% more expensive than Austin, TX. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Mesa, AZ to live like I do in Austin, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Austin, TX, you'd need approximately $150,174.757 in Mesa, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Austin, TX and Mesa, AZ?

Housing in Mesa, AZ is 3.3% cheaper than in Austin, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,785/month in Mesa, AZ compared to $1,995/month in Austin, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Austin, TX to Mesa, AZ?

Austin, TX and Mesa, AZ have very similar costs of living, based on a $150,000 salary.

Austin, TX vs Mesa, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Austin, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $14.56/month more in Mesa, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.2K in Mesa, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 0.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$14.56

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$175

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$558K

Mesa, AZ

Population:504K

Cost Index:

100

(0% above avg)

Median Home:$395K

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Mesa, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

504K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Arizona, this city has a population of 504K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Austin, TX vs Mesa, AZ

Category	Austin, TX	Mesa, AZ	Difference	Change
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $205more	16.0%
Housing	$2,885/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $96.15less	3.3%
Other	$1,741/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $63.61less	3.7%
All Utilities	$541/mo	$561/mo	↑ $20.22more	3.7%
Groceries	$959/mo	$963/mo	↑ $4.00more	0.4%
Healthcare	$589/mo	$589/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Transportation

↑ 16.0%

Austin, TX

$1,284

Mesa, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$205

Housing

↓ 3.3%

Austin, TX

$2,885

Mesa, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$96.15

less

Other

↓ 3.7%

Austin, TX

$1,741

Mesa, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$63.61

less

All Utilities

↑ 3.7%

Austin, TX

$541

Mesa, AZ

$561

Difference

$20.22

Groceries

↑ 0.4%

Austin, TX

$959

Mesa, AZ

$963

Difference

$4.00

Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Austin, TX

$589

Mesa, AZ

$589

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,585

To$1,415

↓ $170

1 Bed

From$1,685

To$1,535

↓ $150

2 Bed

From$1,995

To$1,785

↓ $210

3 Bed

From$2,525

To$2,380

↓ $145

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

Mesa, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,390–$2,030/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$8,068

Monthly in Mesa, AZ

$69.35

Difference

Home Values

Austin

Mesa

$558K

Median Value

$395K

↓ -5%

YoY Change

↓ -2.8%

↑ +12.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +29.3%

$272K - $1.26M

Price Range

$353K - $554K

Homes in Mesa are 29% less expensive than Austin

Calculate payment - Austin Calculate payment - Mesa

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $5.2K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$436

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.5%

Rate difference

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Mesa, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Mesa, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.