Home › Compare › Los Angeles, CA vs Mesa, AZ

Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA 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.

27.2% Mesa, AZ is cheaper overall
41.6% 41.6% cheaper housing
11.8% 11.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 41.6% cheaper
Los Angeles
178
Mesa
104
🛒 Groceries 11.8% cheaper
Los Angeles
110
Mesa
97
🚗 Transportation 20.0% cheaper
Los Angeles
125
Mesa
100
🏥 Healthcare 16.1% cheaper
Los Angeles
112
Mesa
94
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Los Angeles
105
Mesa
106

Detailed Breakdown

Category Los Angeles, CA Mesa, AZ Difference
Overall Cost Index1369927.2% less
Housing17810441.6% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,500$1,25050.0% less
Median Home Price$880,000$365,00058.5% less
Groceries1109711.8% less
Transportation12510020.0% less
Healthcare1129416.1% less
Utilities105106~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Los Angeles, CA Mesa, AZ
State Income Tax13.30% (top)2.50%
State Sales Tax7.25%5.60%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.71%0.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
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 Los Angeles lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Los Angeles (136) vs Mesa (99). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Los Angeles5.4%
Mesa3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Los Angeles2.5%
Mesa3.2%
Top Industries
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare
MesaAerospace, Tech, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Los Angeles33 min
Mesa26 min
Walk Score
Los Angeles67
Mesa32
Air Quality (AQI)
Los Angeles62
Mesa56
Avg Temperature
Los Angeles66°F
Mesa74°F
Population
Los Angeles3,898,747
Mesa504,258

Moving from Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles 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

Los Angeles vs Austin → Los Angeles vs Denver → Los Angeles vs Nashville → Mesa vs Raleigh → Mesa vs Portland → Mesa vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Los Angeles 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 41.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Mesa?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,500/month in Los Angeles and $1,250/month in Mesa — a difference of about $1,250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Los Angeles or Mesa?+
California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. 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 Los Angeles to Mesa?+
Median household income in Los Angeles is $95,000 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 Los Angeles vs Mesa?+
The median home price in Los Angeles is $880,000 versus $365,000 in Mesa — a difference of $515,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Arizona averages 0.51%.