Is Tucson, AZ cheaper than Mesa, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Tucson, AZ is 5.0% cheaper than Mesa, AZ. This translates to saving $378 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Mesa, AZ, you'd need approximately $145,465.116 in Tucson, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Mesa, AZ and Tucson, AZ?

Housing in Tucson, AZ is 18.0% cheaper than in Mesa, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,460/month in Tucson, AZ compared to $1,785/month in Mesa, AZ.

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

Moving from Mesa, AZ to Tucson, AZ could save you approximately $378 per month, or $4535 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Mesa, AZ vs Tucson, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Mesa, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $378/month moving to Tucson, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.5K in Tucson, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ area

Overall Cost

↓ 5.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$378

Savings

Annual Impact

$4.5K

Per year

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

Mesa, AZ

Population:504K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$395K

Tucson, AZ

Population:548K

Cost Index:

(5% below avg)

Median Home:$327K

Mesa, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

504K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Tucson, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

548K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Arizona, this city has a population of 548K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Mesa, AZ vs Tucson, AZ

Category	Mesa, AZ	Tucson, AZ	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,788/mo	$2,287/mo	↓ $502less	18.0%
Other	$1,677/mo	$1,858/mo	↑ $181more	10.8%
Transportation	$1,489/mo	$1,325/mo	↓ $164less	11.0%
All Utilities	$561/mo	$486/mo	↓ $74.86less	13.3%
Groceries	$963/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $65.95more	6.8%
Healthcare	$589/mo	$570/mo	↓ $18.59less	3.2%

Housing

↓ 18.0%

Mesa, AZ

$2,788

Tucson, AZ

$2,287

Difference

$502

less

Other

↑ 10.8%

Mesa, AZ

$1,677

Tucson, AZ

$1,858

Difference

$181

Transportation

↓ 11.0%

Mesa, AZ

$1,489

Tucson, AZ

$1,325

Difference

$164

less

All Utilities

↓ 13.3%

Mesa, AZ

$561

Tucson, AZ

$486

Difference

$74.86

less

Groceries

↑ 6.8%

Mesa, AZ

$963

Tucson, AZ

$1,029

Difference

$65.95

Healthcare

↓ 3.2%

Mesa, AZ

$589

Tucson, AZ

$570

Difference

$18.59

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,415

To$1,010

↓ $405

1 Bed

From$1,535

To$1,130

↓ $405

2 Bed

From$1,785

To$1,460

↓ $325

3 Bed

From$2,380

To$2,030

↓ $350

Mesa, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,390–$2,030/mo

Tucson, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $830–$1,620/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.

$8,068

Monthly in Mesa, AZ

$7,556

Monthly in Tucson, AZ

$512

Difference

Home Values

Mesa

Tucson

$395K

Median Value

$327K

↓ -2.8%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +29.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +29.6%

$353K - $554K

Price Range

$229K - $722K

Homes in Tucson are 17% less expensive than Mesa

Calculate payment - Mesa Calculate payment - Tucson

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

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

Tucson, 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

Mesa, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

Tucson, 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.