Home › Compare › Sacramento, CA vs Mesa, AZ

Cost of Living: Sacramento, 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.

16.1% Mesa, AZ is cheaper overall
26.8% 26.8% cheaper housing
6.7% 6.7% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 26.8% cheaper
Sacramento
142
Mesa
104
🛒 Groceries 6.7% cheaper
Sacramento
104
Mesa
97
🚗 Transportation 10.7% cheaper
Sacramento
112
Mesa
100
🏥 Healthcare 13.0% cheaper
Sacramento
108
Mesa
94
⚡ Utilities 6.0% more
Sacramento
100
Mesa
106

Detailed Breakdown

Category Sacramento, CA Mesa, AZ Difference
Overall Cost Index1189916.1% less
Housing14210426.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,650$1,25024.2% less
Median Home Price$450,000$365,00018.9% less
Groceries104976.7% less
Transportation11210010.7% less
Healthcare1089413.0% less
Utilities1001066.0% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Sacramento, 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

Sacramento, CA
$78,000
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 Sacramento lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Sacramento (118) vs Mesa (99). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Sacramento4.2%
Mesa3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Sacramento2.7%
Mesa3.2%
Top Industries
SacramentoGovernment, Healthcare, Agriculture
MesaAerospace, Tech, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Sacramento27 min
Mesa26 min
Walk Score
Sacramento44
Mesa32
Air Quality (AQI)
Sacramento50
Mesa56
Avg Temperature
Sacramento61°F
Mesa74°F
Population
Sacramento524,943
Mesa504,258

Moving from Sacramento to Mesa?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Sacramento 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sacramento 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 26.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Sacramento vs Mesa?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,650/month in Sacramento and $1,250/month in Mesa — a difference of about $400 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Sacramento 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 Sacramento to Mesa?+
Median household income in Sacramento 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 Sacramento vs Mesa?+
The median home price in Sacramento is $450,000 versus $365,000 in Mesa — a difference of $85,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Arizona averages 0.51%.