City vs city
Mesa, AZ vs Phoenix, AZ
- Rent is 2% lower in Phoenix (median $1,582/mo vs $1,620/mo in Mesa).
- Homes cost 3% less in Mesa ($408k vs $421k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $38 more a month after taxes and rent in Phoenix.
- Schools rate higher in Mesa (4.9/10 vs 1.9/10).
- Mesa has less violent crime (4.3 vs 7 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
| Mesa | Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,620/mo | $1,582/mo |
| Median home value | $408k | $421k |
| Median household income | $83k | $81k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,374 | $3,412 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | Yes |
| School rating | 4.9/10 | 1.9/10 |
| Violent crime | 1.2× the US rate | 1.9× the US rate |
| Summer average | 106°F | 107°F |
| Winter average | 53°F | 56°F |
| Sunny days a year | 294 | 299 |
| Walk score | 42 | 41 |
| Population | 511,764 | 1,642,323 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
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