Is Mesa or Salt Lake City more affordable?
Mesa has a median rent of $1,500/month, while Salt Lake City is $1,450/month. Salt Lake City is more affordable for renters.
City comparison
Mesa, AZ vs Salt Lake City, UT
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, climate, and quality of life between Mesa and Salt Lake City.
3
Mesa wins
of 5 metrics
tracked
2
Salt Lake City wins
AZ
Mesa
vs
UT
Salt Lake City
Overview
504,258
Population
199,723
$56,891
Median Income
+1.9%$58,000✓
Cost of Living
$1,500
Median Rent / mo
-3.3%$1,450✓
$380,000✓
Median Home Price
+26.3%$480,000
32%
Rent-to-Income %
30%
Taxes
2.50%✓
State Income Tax
4.65%
8.30%
Local Tax Rate
7.75%
Climate & Weather
87°F
Avg High Temp
65°F
62°F
Avg Low Temp
41°F
299 days✓
Sunny Days / Year
222 days
8"
Annual Rainfall
17"
Who should choose
Mesa, AZ
Mesa is a city in Arizona with a population of 504,258.
Read full Mesa guide →Who should choose
Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake City is a city in Utah with a population of 199,723.
Read full Salt Lake City guide →Mesa vs Salt Lake City — Common Questions
Which city has lower taxes — Mesa or Salt Lake City?
Arizona has a 2.50% state income tax. Utah has a 4.65% state income tax. Mesa wins on state income tax.
What is the weather difference between Mesa and Salt Lake City?
Mesa gets 299 sunny days/year. Salt Lake City gets 222 sunny days/year. Avg high in Mesa: 87°F. Avg high in Salt Lake City: 65°F
Which city is better for families — Mesa or Salt Lake City?
Mesa. Salt Lake City. 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.