Home › Compare › Denver, CO vs Mesa, AZ

Cost of Living: Denver, CO 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.

11.6% Mesa, AZ is cheaper overall
21.2% 21.2% cheaper housing
4.0% 4.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 21.2% cheaper
Denver
132
Mesa
104
🛒 Groceries 4.0% cheaper
Denver
101
Mesa
97
🚗 Transportation 4.8% cheaper
Denver
105
Mesa
100
🏥 Healthcare 9.6% cheaper
Denver
104
Mesa
94
⚡ Utilities 10.4% more
Denver
96
Mesa
106

Detailed Breakdown

Category Denver, CO Mesa, AZ Difference
Overall Cost Index1129911.6% less
Housing13210421.2% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,620$1,25022.8% less
Median Home Price$540,000$365,00032.4% less
Groceries101974.0% less
Transportation1051004.8% less
Healthcare104949.6% less
Utilities9610610.4% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Denver, CO Mesa, AZ
State Income Tax4.40%2.50%
State Sales Tax2.90%5.60%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.49%0.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Denver, CO
$82,000
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 Denver lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Denver (112) vs Mesa (99). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Denver3.5%
Mesa3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Denver3.6%
Mesa3.2%
Top Industries
DenverTech, Aerospace, Energy
MesaAerospace, Tech, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Denver27 min
Mesa26 min
Walk Score
Denver61
Mesa32
Air Quality (AQI)
Denver45
Mesa56
Avg Temperature
Denver51°F
Mesa74°F
Population
Denver713,252
Mesa504,258

Moving from Denver to Mesa?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Denver 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver 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 21.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Denver vs Mesa?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,620/month in Denver and $1,250/month in Mesa — a difference of about $370 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Denver or Mesa?+
Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. 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 Denver to Mesa?+
Median household income in Denver is $82,000 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 Denver vs Mesa?+
The median home price in Denver is $540,000 versus $365,000 in Mesa — a difference of $175,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while Arizona averages 0.51%.