Moving from Tacoma to Mesa (2026)
Mesa has a COL index of 96 vs 114 for Tacoma (100 = US average). You'd pay about 16% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$476/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
11496
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,900$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 Tacoma lifestyle
Based on the 16% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Tacoma | Equivalent in Mesa |
|---|---|
| $40K | $33,684 |
| $50K | $42,105 |
| $60K | $50,526 |
| $75K | $63,158 |
| $80K | $67,368 |
| $100K | $84,211 |
| $120K | $101,053 |
| $150K | $126,316 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Tacoma vs Mesa
| Expense | Tacoma | Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,400 |
| Groceries | $399 | $369 |
| Transport | $90 | $55 |
| Utilities | $118 | $210 |
| Internet | $63 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,171 | $2,490 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Mesa cheaper than Tacoma?
Yes. Mesa has a cost of living index of 96 vs 114 for Tacoma (100 = US average). That's about 16% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Tacoma to Mesa?
On a $75K salary, moving from Tacoma to Mesa could save roughly $476/month on core expenses. That's ~$5,712/year.
What salary do I need in Mesa to match my Tacoma lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Tacoma, you'd need roughly $63,158/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