Home › Compare › Portland, OR vs Mesa, AZ

Cost of Living: Portland, OR 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.

13.2% Mesa, AZ is cheaper overall
24.6% 24.6% cheaper housing
5.8% 5.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 24.6% cheaper
Portland
138
Mesa
104
🛒 Groceries 5.8% cheaper
Portland
103
Mesa
97
🚗 Transportation 7.4% cheaper
Portland
108
Mesa
100
🏥 Healthcare 12.1% cheaper
Portland
107
Mesa
94
⚡ Utilities 20.5% more
Portland
88
Mesa
106

Detailed Breakdown

Category Portland, OR Mesa, AZ Difference
Overall Cost Index1149913.2% less
Housing13810424.6% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,550$1,25019.4% less
Median Home Price$485,000$365,00024.7% less
Groceries103975.8% less
Transportation1081007.4% less
Healthcare1079412.1% less
Utilities8810620.5% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Portland, OR Mesa, AZ
State Income Tax8.75% (top)2.50%
State Sales TaxNone (0%)5.60%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.82%0.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Portland, OR
$79,000
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 Portland lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Portland (114) vs Mesa (99). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Portland4.3%
Mesa3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Portland2.2%
Mesa3.2%
Top Industries
PortlandTech, Manufacturing, Creative
MesaAerospace, Tech, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Portland27 min
Mesa26 min
Walk Score
Portland65
Mesa32
Air Quality (AQI)
Portland42
Mesa56
Avg Temperature
Portland54°F
Mesa74°F
Population
Portland652,503
Mesa504,258

Moving from Portland to Mesa?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Portland 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Portland 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 24.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Portland vs Mesa?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,550/month in Portland and $1,250/month in Mesa — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Portland or Mesa?+
Oregon has a state income tax of 8.75% (top) and sales tax of None (0%). 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 Portland to Mesa?+
Median household income in Portland is $79,000 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 Portland vs Mesa?+
The median home price in Portland is $485,000 versus $365,000 in Mesa — a difference of $120,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oregon averages 0.82% while Arizona averages 0.51%.