Moving from Anchorage to Mesa (2026)
Mesa has a COL index of 96 vs 100 for Anchorage (100 = US average). You'd pay about 4% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$397/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10096
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,800$1,400
per month
State tax
None2.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,741$4,584
per month
Salary needed in Mesa to match your Anchorage lifestyle
Based on the 4% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Anchorage | Equivalent in Mesa |
|---|---|
| $40K | $38,400 |
| $50K | $48,000 |
| $60K | $57,600 |
| $75K | $72,000 |
| $80K | $76,800 |
| $100K | $96,000 |
| $120K | $115,200 |
| $150K | $144,000 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Anchorage vs Mesa
| Expense | Anchorage | Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $1,800 | $1,400 |
| Groceries | $391 | $369 |
| Transport | $45 | $55 |
| Utilities | $165 | $210 |
| Internet | $90 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,250 | $2,490 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Mesa cheaper than Anchorage?
Yes. Mesa has a cost of living index of 96 vs 100 for Anchorage (100 = US average). That's about 4% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Anchorage to Mesa?
On a $75K salary, moving from Anchorage to Mesa could save roughly $397/month on core expenses. That's ~$4,764/year.
What salary do I need in Mesa to match my Anchorage lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Anchorage, you'd need roughly $72,000/year in Mesa. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Mesa to AnchorageAnchorage vs Mesa — full comparisonAnchorage cost of livingMesa cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only