Home › Compare › Raleigh, NC vs Mesa, AZ

Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC 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.

1.0% Mesa, AZ is more expensive overall
0.0% 0.0% cheaper housing
0.0% 0.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing ~Same
Raleigh
104
Mesa
104
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Raleigh
97
Mesa
97
🚗 Transportation 4.2% more
Raleigh
96
Mesa
100
🏥 Healthcare 6.0% cheaper
Raleigh
100
Mesa
94
⚡ Utilities 8.2% more
Raleigh
98
Mesa
106

Detailed Breakdown

Category Raleigh, NC Mesa, AZ Difference
Overall Cost Index9899~Same
Housing104104~Same
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,2507.4% less
Median Home Price$385,000$365,0005.2% less
Groceries9797~Same
Transportation961004.2% more
Healthcare100946.0% less
Utilities981068.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Raleigh, NC Mesa, AZ
State Income Tax4.50%2.50%
State Sales Tax4.75%5.60%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.70%0.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Raleigh, NC
$78,000
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 Raleigh lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Raleigh (98) vs Mesa (99). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Raleigh3.1%
Mesa3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Raleigh3.9%
Mesa3.2%
Top Industries
RaleighTech, Biotech, Education
MesaAerospace, Tech, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Raleigh24 min
Mesa26 min
Walk Score
Raleigh30
Mesa32
Air Quality (AQI)
Raleigh35
Mesa56
Avg Temperature
Raleigh60°F
Mesa74°F
Population
Raleigh469,698
Mesa504,258

Moving from Raleigh to Mesa?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Raleigh 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Raleigh or Mesa cheaper to live in?+
Raleigh is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 0.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Raleigh vs Mesa?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Raleigh and $1,250/month in Mesa — a difference of about $100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Raleigh or Mesa?+
North Carolina has a state income tax of 4.50% and sales tax of 4.75%. 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 Raleigh to Mesa?+
Median household income in Raleigh is $78,000 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 Raleigh vs Mesa?+
The median home price in Raleigh is $385,000 versus $365,000 in Mesa — a difference of $20,000. Property tax rates also differ: North Carolina averages 0.70% while Arizona averages 0.51%.