salaryAustin is 5% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Mesa to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,932
$1,826
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,941
$1,712
💵 Families earn per year
$101,010
$89,248
🔑 Buying a house
$555,300
$408,000
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
98.1
103.3
🏛️ Property tax per year
$8,024
$1,604
⚡ Electric bill per month
$134
$168
👥 People living there
979,539
511,764
Commute to work
23.7 min
24.7 min
College degree
59.6%
32.5%
Own their home
43.4%
64.4%
Below poverty line
12%
10.3%
Unemployment
4.7%
4.2%
Bottom line
- Pick Austin for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce.
- Pick Mesa for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Austin | Mesa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $27,260 | $47,530 | +74% in Mesa |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $64,580 | $78,080 | +21% in Mesa |
| Carpenter | $50,260 | $60,320 | +20% in Mesa |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,550 | $45,290 | +17% in Mesa |
| Warehouse Worker | $38,530 | $44,950 | +17% in Mesa |
| Operations Manager | $117,850 | $98,610 | -16% in Mesa |
| Lawyer | $153,330 | $135,670 | -12% in Mesa |
| Civil Engineer | $100,470 | $90,330 | -10% in Mesa |
Frequently asked questions
Is Austin or Mesa cheaper to live in?
Austin is about 5% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,932 a month there versus $1,826 in Mesa.
What salary do I need in Mesa to match $60,000 in Austin?
About $63,212 a year gives the same standard of living in Mesa.
Where do people earn more, Austin or Mesa?
The typical household earns $101,010 in Austin and $89,248 in Mesa, 13% more in Austin.