Home › Compare › Minneapolis, MN vs Mesa, AZ

Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN 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.

4.8% Mesa, AZ is cheaper overall
3.7% 3.7% 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 3.7% cheaper
Minneapolis
108
Mesa
104
🛒 Groceries 4.0% cheaper
Minneapolis
101
Mesa
97
🚗 Transportation 5.7% cheaper
Minneapolis
106
Mesa
100
🏥 Healthcare 6.0% cheaper
Minneapolis
100
Mesa
94
⚡ Utilities 11.6% more
Minneapolis
95
Mesa
106

Detailed Breakdown

Category Minneapolis, MN Mesa, AZ Difference
Overall Cost Index104994.8% less
Housing1081043.7% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,2507.4% less
Median Home Price$330,000$365,00010.6% more
Groceries101974.0% less
Transportation1061005.7% less
Healthcare100946.0% less
Utilities9510611.6% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Minneapolis, MN Mesa, AZ
State Income Tax9.85% (top)2.50%
State Sales Tax6.88%5.60%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.02%0.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Minneapolis, MN
$76,000
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 Minneapolis lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Minneapolis (104) vs Mesa (99). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Minneapolis3.2%
Mesa3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Minneapolis2.5%
Mesa3.2%
Top Industries
MinneapolisHealthcare, Finance, Retail
MesaAerospace, Tech, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Minneapolis25 min
Mesa26 min
Walk Score
Minneapolis69
Mesa32
Air Quality (AQI)
Minneapolis36
Mesa56
Avg Temperature
Minneapolis45°F
Mesa74°F
Population
Minneapolis425,336
Mesa504,258

Moving from Minneapolis to Mesa?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Minneapolis 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Minneapolis 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 3.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Minneapolis vs Mesa?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Minneapolis and $1,250/month in Mesa — a difference of about $100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Minneapolis or Mesa?+
Minnesota has a state income tax of 9.85% (top) and sales tax of 6.88%. 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 Minneapolis to Mesa?+
Median household income in Minneapolis is $76,000 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 Minneapolis vs Mesa?+
The median home price in Minneapolis is $330,000 versus $365,000 in Mesa — a difference of $35,000. Property tax rates also differ: Minnesota averages 1.02% while Arizona averages 0.51%.