Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Mesa is 7% more affordable than Fresno. A $75,000 salary in Fresno is equivalent to $69,393 in Mesa.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fresno has a housing index of 111 while Mesa sits at 98 (national average = 100). The median home in Fresno costs $330,000 compared to $350,000 in Mesa, a difference of $20,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,300 in Fresno versus $1,350 in Mesa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Fresno scores 101 while Mesa scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Fresno (100) are higher than Mesa (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fresno is $53,838 compared to $60,234 in Mesa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Mesa.
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