Home › Compare › Austin, TX vs Mesa, AZ

Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Mesa, AZ

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

3.9% Mesa, AZ is cheaper overall
11.9% 11.9% cheaper housing
1.0% 1.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 11.9% cheaper
Austin
118
Mesa
104
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Austin
96
Mesa
97
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Austin
98
Mesa
100
🏥 Healthcare 3.1% cheaper
Austin
97
Mesa
94
⚡ Utilities 7.1% more
Austin
99
Mesa
106

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX Mesa, AZ Difference
Overall Cost Index103993.9% less
Housing11810411.9% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,25013.8% less
Median Home Price$425,000$365,00014.1% less
Groceries9697~Same
Transportation98100~Same
Healthcare97943.1% less
Utilities991067.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX Mesa, AZ
State Income TaxNone (0%)2.50%
State Sales Tax6.25%5.60%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
Median household income
Mesa, AZ
$66,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Mesa costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Mesa to maintain your Austin lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs Mesa (99). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
Mesa3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
Mesa3.2%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
MesaAerospace, Tech, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
Mesa26 min
Walk Score
Austin41
Mesa32
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
Mesa56
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
Mesa74°F
Population
Austin979,882
Mesa504,258

Moving from Austin to Mesa?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Austin and Mesa → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Mesa →

Compare Other Cities

Austin vs Denver → Austin vs Nashville → Austin vs Raleigh → Mesa vs Portland → Mesa vs Phoenix → Mesa vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or Mesa cheaper to live in?+
Mesa is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 11.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs Mesa?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $1,250/month in Mesa — a difference of about $200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or Mesa?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Arizona has a state income tax of 2.50% and sales tax of 5.60%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Austin to Mesa?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 compared to $66,000 in Mesa. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Austin vs Mesa?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $365,000 in Mesa — a difference of $60,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Arizona averages 0.51%.