Moving from Austin to Mesa (2026)
Mesa has a COL index of 96 vs 122 for Austin (100 = US average). You'd pay about 21% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$363/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
12296
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 Austin lifestyle
Based on the 21% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Austin | Equivalent in Mesa |
|---|---|
| $40K | $31,475 |
| $50K | $39,344 |
| $60K | $47,213 |
| $75K | $59,016 |
| $80K | $62,951 |
| $100K | $78,689 |
| $120K | $94,426 |
| $150K | $118,033 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Austin vs Mesa
| Expense | Austin | Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $1,800 | $1,400 |
| Groceries | $372 | $369 |
| Transport | $50 | $55 |
| Utilities | $170 | $210 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,284 | $2,490 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Mesa cheaper than Austin?
Yes. Mesa has a cost of living index of 96 vs 122 for Austin (100 = US average). That's about 21% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Austin to Mesa?
On a $75K salary, moving from Austin to Mesa could save roughly $363/month on core expenses. That's ~$4,356/year.
What salary do I need in Mesa to match my Austin lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Austin, you'd need roughly $59,016/year in Mesa. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
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