Home › Compare › Tampa, FL vs Mesa, AZ

Cost of Living: Tampa, FL 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.

2.0% Mesa, AZ is cheaper overall
5.5% 5.5% cheaper housing
3.0% 3.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 5.5% cheaper
Tampa
110
Mesa
104
🛒 Groceries 3.0% cheaper
Tampa
100
Mesa
97
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Tampa
100
Mesa
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Tampa
95
Mesa
94
⚡ Utilities 2.9% more
Tampa
103
Mesa
106

Detailed Breakdown

Category Tampa, FL Mesa, AZ Difference
Overall Cost Index10199~Same
Housing1101045.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,25013.8% less
Median Home Price$365,000$365,000~Same
Groceries100973.0% less
Transportation100100~Same
Healthcare9594~Same
Utilities1031062.9% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Tampa, FL Mesa, AZ
State Income TaxNone (0%)2.50%
State Sales Tax6.00%5.60%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.80%0.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Tampa, FL
$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 Tampa lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Tampa (101) vs Mesa (99). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Tampa3.8%
Mesa3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Tampa3.2%
Mesa3.2%
Top Industries
TampaFinance, Healthcare, Tech
MesaAerospace, Tech, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Tampa27 min
Mesa26 min
Walk Score
Tampa49
Mesa32
Air Quality (AQI)
Tampa37
Mesa56
Avg Temperature
Tampa73°F
Mesa74°F
Population
Tampa393,468
Mesa504,258

Moving from Tampa to Mesa?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Tampa 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tampa 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 Tampa vs Mesa?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Tampa and $1,250/month in Mesa — a difference of about $200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Tampa or Mesa?+
Florida has a state income tax of None (0%) 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 Tampa to Mesa?+
Median household income in Tampa 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 Tampa vs Mesa?+
The median home price in Tampa is $365,000 versus $365,000 in Mesa — a difference of $0. Property tax rates also differ: Florida averages 0.80% while Arizona averages 0.51%.