Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Mesa is 7% more affordable than Atlanta. A $75,000 salary in Atlanta is equivalent to $69,393 in Mesa.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Georgia salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Atlanta has a housing index of 113 while Mesa sits at 98 (national average = 100). The median home in Atlanta costs $350,000 compared to $350,000 in Mesa, a difference of $0. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Atlanta versus $1,350 in Mesa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Atlanta scores 104 while Mesa scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Atlanta (101) are higher than Mesa (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Atlanta is $59,948 compared to $60,234 in Mesa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Mesa.
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