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Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA 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.

8.3% Mesa, AZ is cheaper overall
5.5% 5.5% cheaper housing
8.5% 8.5% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 5.5% cheaper
Philadelphia
110
Mesa
104
🛒 Groceries 8.5% cheaper
Philadelphia
106
Mesa
97
🚗 Transportation 10.7% cheaper
Philadelphia
112
Mesa
100
🏥 Healthcare 10.5% cheaper
Philadelphia
105
Mesa
94
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Philadelphia
108
Mesa
106

Detailed Breakdown

Category Philadelphia, PA Mesa, AZ Difference
Overall Cost Index108998.3% less
Housing1101045.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,500$1,25016.7% less
Median Home Price$280,000$365,00030.4% more
Groceries106978.5% less
Transportation11210010.7% less
Healthcare1059410.5% less
Utilities108106~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Philadelphia, PA Mesa, AZ
State Income Tax3.07%2.50%
State Sales Tax6.00%5.60%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.36%0.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Philadelphia, PA
$62,000
Median household income
Mesa, AZ
$66,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Mesa outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Philadelphia (108) vs Mesa (99). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Philadelphia4.9%
Mesa3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Philadelphia1.8%
Mesa3.2%
Top Industries
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma
MesaAerospace, Tech, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Philadelphia34 min
Mesa26 min
Walk Score
Philadelphia79
Mesa32
Air Quality (AQI)
Philadelphia46
Mesa56
Avg Temperature
Philadelphia56°F
Mesa74°F
Population
Philadelphia1,603,797
Mesa504,258

Moving from Philadelphia to Mesa?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Philadelphia 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Philadelphia 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 5.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Philadelphia vs Mesa?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,500/month in Philadelphia and $1,250/month in Mesa — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Philadelphia or Mesa?+
Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Philadelphia to Mesa?+
Median household income in Philadelphia is $62,000 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 Philadelphia vs Mesa?+
The median home price in Philadelphia is $280,000 versus $365,000 in Mesa — a difference of $85,000. Property tax rates also differ: Pennsylvania averages 1.36% while Arizona averages 0.51%.