Last updated 2026-06-12 ยท MovePlan Editorial Team
Right at the national average, an East Valley city cheaper than Tempe or Scottsdale.
Cost of living index (US avg = 100): 100
Median 2BR rent: $1,700/mo
Housing: 92 vs 100
Groceries: 99 vs 100
Utilities: 112 vs 100
Transportation: 100 vs 100
Healthcare: 98 vs 100
Mesa offers lower rent and easier parking than nearby Tempe or Scottsdale within the Phoenix metro. Costs land at the national average, with summer cooling the main variable.