Skyline of Mesa
Cost of Living: 102.5 508,918

Mesa, AZ, US

Phoenix suburb with affordable housing, spring training baseball, and desert recreation.

Updated July 6, 2026
Cost of Living 102.5

Above Average vs US avg (100)

Housing Index 108.4

Above Average

Median Income $62,000

Household income

Unemployment 3.5%

Job market health

Mesa vs US Average

Cost of Living
Mesa: 102.5
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Mesa: 108.4
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Mesa: 2.59%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 2.6%
  • Sales Tax: 8.3%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $62,000
  • Unemployment: 3.5%
  • Population: 508,918

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 301/year
  • Summer High: 105°F
  • Winter Low: 41°F

Housing

  • Median Home: $395,000
  • 1BR Rent: $1350/mo

Cost of Living

Mesa's cost of living index is 102.5 (US average = 100).

CategoryMesaNational AverageDifference
Overall102.5100+2.5%
Housing108.4100+8.4%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$395,000
Median Rent (1BR)$1350/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$1,688/mo
Price per Sq Ft$263

Data source: Zillow Research, May 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

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$90,000 down
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Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Mesa:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$150Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating (Gas/Oil)$174Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Water$70Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$55Broadband average
Garbage / Trash$30Private service
Total Utilities$479Monthly estimate (including heating)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Mesa

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: $1,620/mo.

Mesa Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: $1,485/mo.

East Mesa

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: $1,215/mo.

West Mesa

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: $1,283/mo.

Remote Work Score

Mesa scores 118/100 for remote work readiness:

  • Internet Speed: Average 200 Mbps (Good)
  • Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations (Good)
  • Cost of Living: Good
  • Climate: 301 year (Good)
  • Quality of Life: Good

Climate

Mesa has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January61°F41°F2.5"
April90°F56°F2.8"
July105°F80°F1.5"
October85°F59°F2.2"

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 2.59%
  • Sales Tax: 8.3%
  • Property Tax: ~0.62% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.5%.

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Mesa, AZ, US?

The cost of living index in Mesa is 102.5, which is Higher the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Mesa?

The median home price in Mesa is $395,000. The housing index is 108.4.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Mesa is approximately $1350/mo.

Does Mesa, AZ have income tax?

Mesa is in AZ, which has an income tax rate of 2.59%.

What is the climate like in Mesa?

Mesa enjoys approximately 301 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around <no value>°F,105°F, while winter lows can drop to around <no value>°F.41°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024

Data last updated: July 6, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.