Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Mesa is 8% more affordable than Henderson. A $75,000 salary in Henderson is equivalent to $68,750 in Mesa.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Nevada salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Henderson has a housing index of 118 while Mesa sits at 98 (national average = 100). The median home in Henderson costs $420,000 compared to $350,000 in Mesa, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Henderson versus $1,350 in Mesa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Henderson scores 102 while Mesa scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Henderson (96) are higher than Mesa (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Henderson is $72,238 compared to $60,234 in Mesa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Mesa.
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