Home › Compare › Salt Lake City, UT vs Mesa, AZ

Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT 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.

5.7% Mesa, AZ is cheaper overall
13.3% 13.3% cheaper housing
1.0% 1.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 13.3% cheaper
Salt Lake City
120
Mesa
104
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Salt Lake City
98
Mesa
97
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Salt Lake City
100
Mesa
100
🏥 Healthcare 2.1% cheaper
Salt Lake City
96
Mesa
94
⚡ Utilities 20.5% more
Salt Lake City
88
Mesa
106

Detailed Breakdown

Category Salt Lake City, UT Mesa, AZ Difference
Overall Cost Index105995.7% less
Housing12010413.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,2507.4% less
Median Home Price$475,000$365,00023.2% less
Groceries9897~Same
Transportation100100~Same
Healthcare96942.1% less
Utilities8810620.5% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Salt Lake City, UT Mesa, AZ
State Income Tax4.65%2.50%
State Sales Tax6.10%5.60%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.52%0.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Salt Lake City, UT
$73,000
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 Salt Lake City lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Salt Lake City (105) vs Mesa (99). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Salt Lake City2.9%
Mesa3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Salt Lake City3.7%
Mesa3.2%
Top Industries
Salt Lake CityTech, Finance, Outdoor Rec
MesaAerospace, Tech, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Salt Lake City22 min
Mesa26 min
Walk Score
Salt Lake City57
Mesa32
Air Quality (AQI)
Salt Lake City55
Mesa56
Avg Temperature
Salt Lake City52°F
Mesa74°F
Population
Salt Lake City204,657
Mesa504,258

Moving from Salt Lake City to Mesa?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Salt Lake City 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Salt Lake City 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 13.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Salt Lake City vs Mesa?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Salt Lake City and $1,250/month in Mesa — a difference of about $100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Salt Lake City or Mesa?+
Utah has a state income tax of 4.65% and sales tax of 6.10%. 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 Salt Lake City to Mesa?+
Median household income in Salt Lake City is $73,000 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 Salt Lake City vs Mesa?+
The median home price in Salt Lake City is $475,000 versus $365,000 in Mesa — a difference of $110,000. Property tax rates also differ: Utah averages 0.52% while Arizona averages 0.51%.