Is Mesa or Los Angeles more affordable?
Mesa has a median rent of $1,500/month, while Los Angeles is $1,852/month. Mesa is more affordable for renters.
City comparison
Mesa, AZ vs Los Angeles, CA
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, climate, and quality of life between Mesa and Los Angeles.
4
Mesa wins
of 5 metrics
tracked
1
Los Angeles wins
AZ
Mesa
vs
CA
Los Angeles
Overview
504,258
Population
3,898,747
$56,891
Median Income
+21.5%$69,144✓
Cost of Living
$1,500✓
Median Rent / mo
+23.5%$1,852
$380,000✓
Median Home Price
+97.4%$750,000
32%
Rent-to-Income %
32%
Taxes
2.50%✓
State Income Tax
9.30%
8.30%
Local Tax Rate
9.50%
Climate & Weather
87°F
Avg High Temp
75°F
62°F
Avg Low Temp
58°F
299 days✓
Sunny Days / Year
284 days
8"
Annual Rainfall
15"
Who should choose
Mesa, AZ
Mesa is a city in Arizona with a population of 504,258.
Read full Mesa guide →Who should choose
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles is a city in California with a population of 3,898,747.
Read full Los Angeles guide →Mesa vs Los Angeles — Common Questions
Which city has lower taxes — Mesa or Los Angeles?
Arizona has a 2.50% state income tax. California has a 9.30% state income tax. Mesa wins on state income tax.
What is the weather difference between Mesa and Los Angeles?
Mesa gets 299 sunny days/year. Los Angeles gets 284 sunny days/year. Avg high in Mesa: 87°F. Avg high in Los Angeles: 75°F
Which city is better for families — Mesa or Los Angeles?
Mesa. Los Angeles. The right choice depends on your priorities — income, affordability, taxes, and climate all play a role.
More city comparisons
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and NOAA. Green values indicate a better outcome for that metric.