Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Mesa is 6% more affordable than Colorado Springs. A $75,000 salary in Colorado Springs is equivalent to $70,714 in Mesa.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Colorado salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Colorado Springs has a housing index of 115 while Mesa sits at 98 (national average = 100). The median home in Colorado Springs costs $380,000 compared to $350,000 in Mesa, a difference of $30,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Colorado Springs versus $1,350 in Mesa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Colorado Springs scores 100 while Mesa scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Colorado Springs (104) are higher than Mesa (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Colorado Springs is $64,712 compared to $60,234 in Mesa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Mesa.
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