Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Mesa is 9% more affordable than Plano. A $75,000 salary in Plano is equivalent to $68,119 in Mesa.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Arizona salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Mesa has a housing index of 98 while Plano sits at 123 (national average = 100). The median home in Mesa costs $350,000 compared to $400,000 in Plano, a difference of $50,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,350 in Mesa versus $1,700 in Plano.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Mesa scores 99 while Plano scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Mesa (95) are lower than Plano (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Mesa is $60,234 compared to $96,348 in Plano. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Mesa.
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