Is Mesa, AZ cheaper than Tucson, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Mesa, AZ is 5.3% more expensive than Tucson, AZ. This translates to spending an extra $398 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Tucson, AZ, you'd need approximately $154,775.51 in Mesa, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Mesa, AZ is 21.9% more expensive than in Tucson, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,785/month in Mesa, AZ compared to $1,460/month in Tucson, AZ.

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

Living in Mesa, AZ costs approximately $398 more per month than Tucson, AZ, or $4776 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Tucson, AZ 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 Tucson, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $398/month more in Mesa, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.8K in Mesa, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Tucson, AZ area

Overall Cost

↑ 5.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$398

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$4.8K

Per year

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

Tucson, AZ

Population:548K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$327K

Mesa, AZ

Population:504K

Cost Index:

105

(5% above avg)

Median Home:$395K

Tucson, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

548K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

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: Tucson, AZ vs Mesa, AZ

Category	Tucson, AZ	Mesa, AZ	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,287/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $502more	21.9%
Other	$1,858/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $181less	9.7%
Transportation	$1,325/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $164more	12.4%
All Utilities	$486/mo	$561/mo	↑ $74.86more	15.4%
Groceries	$1,029/mo	$963/mo	↓ $65.95less	6.4%
Healthcare	$570/mo	$589/mo	↑ $18.59more	3.3%

Housing

↑ 21.9%

Tucson, AZ

$2,287

Mesa, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$502

Other

↓ 9.7%

Tucson, AZ

$1,858

Mesa, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$181

less

Transportation

↑ 12.4%

Tucson, AZ

$1,325

Mesa, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$164

All Utilities

↑ 15.4%

Tucson, AZ

$486

Mesa, AZ

$561

Difference

$74.86

Groceries

↓ 6.4%

Tucson, AZ

$1,029

Mesa, AZ

$963

Difference

$65.95

less

Healthcare

↑ 3.3%

Tucson, AZ

$570

Mesa, AZ

$589

Difference

$18.59

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,010

To$1,415

↑ $405

1 Bed

From$1,130

To$1,535

↑ $405

2 Bed

From$1,460

To$1,785

↑ $325

3 Bed

From$2,030

To$2,380

↑ $350

Tucson, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $830–$1,620/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.

$7,556

Monthly in Tucson, AZ

$8,068

Monthly in Mesa, AZ

$512

Difference

Home Values

Tucson

Mesa

$327K

Median Value

$395K

↓ -3%

YoY Change

↓ -2.8%

↑ +29.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +29.3%

$229K - $722K

Price Range

$353K - $554K

Homes in Mesa are 21% more expensive than Tucson

Calculate payment - Tucson Calculate payment - Mesa

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

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

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

Tucson, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.