Is Mesa, AZ cheaper than Dallas, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Mesa, AZ is 2.2% more expensive than Dallas, TX. This translates to spending an extra $163 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Dallas, TX, you'd need approximately $151,960.396 in Mesa, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Mesa, AZ is 16.6% more expensive than in Dallas, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,785/month in Mesa, AZ compared to $1,765/month in Dallas, TX.

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

Living in Mesa, AZ costs approximately $163 more per month than Dallas, TX, or $1960 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Dallas, 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 Dallas, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $163/month more in Mesa, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.0K in Mesa, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 2.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$163

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$2.0K

Per year

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

Dallas, TX

Population:1304K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$292K

Mesa, AZ

Population:504K

Cost Index:

102

(2% above avg)

Median Home:$395K

Dallas, TX

The Lone Star State

1.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major business center
•No state income tax
•Big Tex home

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceEnergyTransportation

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: Dallas, TX vs Mesa, AZ

Category	Dallas, TX	Mesa, AZ	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,391/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $398more	16.6%
Transportation	$1,298/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $191more	14.7%
Other	$1,774/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $97.09less	5.5%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$589/mo	↓ $43.37less	6.9%
Groceries	$979/mo	$963/mo	↓ $15.99less	1.6%
All Utilities	$563/mo	$561/mo	↓ $1.64less	0.3%

Housing

↑ 16.6%

Dallas, TX

$2,391

Mesa, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$398

Transportation

↑ 14.7%

Dallas, TX

$1,298

Mesa, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$191

Other

↓ 5.5%

Dallas, TX

$1,774

Mesa, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$97.09

less

Healthcare

↓ 6.9%

Dallas, TX

$632

Mesa, AZ

$589

Difference

$43.37

less

Groceries

↓ 1.6%

Dallas, TX

$979

Mesa, AZ

$963

Difference

$15.99

less

All Utilities

↓ 0.3%

Dallas, TX

$563

Mesa, AZ

$561

Difference

$1.64

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,450

To$1,415

↓ $35.00

1 Bed

From$1,505

To$1,535

↑ $30.00

2 Bed

From$1,765

To$1,785

↑ $20.00

3 Bed

From$2,220

To$2,380

↑ $160

Dallas, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,040–$2,470/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.

$7,637

Monthly in Dallas, TX

$8,068

Monthly in Mesa, AZ

$431

Difference

Home Values

Dallas

Mesa

$292K

Median Value

$395K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↓ -2.8%

↑ +27.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +29.3%

$138K - $2.01M

Price Range

$353K - $554K

Homes in Mesa are 35% more expensive than Dallas

Calculate payment - Dallas 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

Dallas, 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

Dallas, 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.