Housing Costs in Mesa
Housing is typically the biggest expense for most households in Mesa. In 2025, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Mesa is around $1,450 per month. For those looking to purchase a home, the typical mortgage payment for a 3-bedroom house falls in the range of $1,800 to $2,200 monthly, depending on the neighborhood and age of the property.
Mesa offers a mix of housing options to fit different budgets and preferences:
- Newer 1-2 BR apartments: $1,200 – $1,600/month
- Older 2-3 BR houses: $1,600 – $2,000/month mortgage
- Luxury 3-4 BR houses: $2,200 – $3,000+/month mortgage
It’s important to note that many communities in Mesa have Homeowners Associations (HOAs). While not mandatory everywhere, HOA fees can add $200 – $400+ to the monthly cost of homeownership. Renters may have some or all of the HOA fees included in their base rent.
Utilities and Energy Bills
Utility costs in Mesa are relatively affordable compared to other parts of the country. However, the hot desert climate means that cooling costs can spike significantly in the summer months. Expect to budget more for electricity in June through September.
For a typical 2-bedroom apartment, here are some average monthly utility estimates:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $120 – $220 |
| Water | $40 – $80 |
| Gas (if applicable) | $20 – $50 |
| Trash/Recycling | $20 – $40 |
| Internet | $50 – $100 |
Utility costs can vary based on the size and efficiency of your home, as well as your usage habits. Many newer properties in Mesa have good insulation and energy-efficient appliances, which can help keep bills manageable.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Mesa offers a variety of grocery stores and markets at different price points. An average single adult may spend around $300 – $400 per month on groceries, while a family of four might budget closer to $800 – $1,000.
Dining out is a popular option as well, with many local and chain restaurants throughout Mesa. A typical household might allocate $200 – $500 per month for restaurant meals and takeout, depending on frequency and family size.
Don’t forget to factor in household essentials like cleaning supplies, toiletries, and paper goods. Depending on your household size and brand preferences, these items might add $50 – $150 to the monthly budget.
Taxes and Fees
Mesa’s property tax rate is around 0.55%, which is relatively low compared to many other parts of the country. For a home valued at $350,000, annual property taxes would be about $1,925 or $160 per month.
Arizona’s base sales tax rate is 5.6%, with Mesa adding an additional 1.75% for a total of 7.35%. This applies to most goods and services, including restaurant meals and some groceries.
Vehicle registration fees in Mesa depend on factors like the age and type of vehicle. For a new passenger car, registration might cost around $550 initially and then $180 per year to renew. Older vehicles have lower renewal fees.
Monthly Budget Summary
| Expense Category | Single Adult | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent/mortgage) | $1,200 | $1,600 | $2,000 |
| Utilities | $200 | $280 | $400 |
| Groceries & Dining Out | $500 | $800 | $1,200 |
| Transportation & Vehicle | $300 | $500 | $800 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | $400 | $600 | $800 |
| Monthly Total (estimate) | $2,600 | $3,780 | $5,200 |
These figures represent gross monthly income estimates. To live comfortably in Mesa, a single adult may need to earn around $2,600 per month before taxes, while a couple should aim for $3,800 and a family of four around $5,200. Actual budgets can vary significantly depending on lifestyle, neighborhood, and spending habits.
Lifestyle Considerations
Mesa is a sprawling suburban city, so having a car is important for most errands and commuting. Traffic congestion is moderate compared to larger metros, with typical commute times around 25-30 minutes.
Housing options range from compact condos to spacious single-family homes. Older neighborhoods tend to be more affordable and walkable, while newer developments often have larger floor plans and more amenities.
Mesa has a variety of parks, trails, and recreational areas that are free or low-cost to enjoy. However, entertainment expenses like movies, events, and attractions can add up quickly, especially with a family.
In general, Mesa offers a relatively affordable suburban lifestyle with easy access to the Phoenix metro area. Residents can choose from a variety of housing and neighborhood options to fit their budget and preferences, although some tradeoffs are common. For example, living closer in may mean a smaller or older home, while newer properties are often found further out from the city center.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Is Mesa less expensive than other Phoenix suburbs?
Mesa is generally considered one of the more affordable suburbs in the Phoenix area. Cities like Gilbert and Chandler may have slightly higher housing costs.
-
Are utilities expensive in Mesa?
Utilities are relatively affordable in Mesa, although electric bills tend to spike in the summer due to air conditioning. Choosing an energy-efficient home can help manage costs.
-
How much can I expect to pay in taxes living in Mesa?
Mesa has a sales tax rate of 7.35% and property taxes around 0.55% of home value. Arizona also has a state income tax ranging from 2.59% to 4.50%.
-
Is it possible to live in Mesa without a car?
Mesa is a car-centric suburb, so living without a vehicle can be challenging. Some central neighborhoods are walkable, and there are public transit options, but most errands require driving.
-
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Mesa?
To live comfortably, a single adult in Mesa should aim to earn around $2,600 per month before taxes. Couples may need $3,800 and families closer to $5,200 monthly. Actual budgets depend on lifestyle and housing choices.
Housing Costs in Mesa
Housing is typically the biggest expense for most households in Mesa. In 2025, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Mesa is around $1,450 per month. For those looking to purchase a home, the typical mortgage payment for a 3-bedroom house falls in the range of $1,800 to $2,200 monthly, depending on the neighborhood and age of the property.
Mesa offers a mix of housing options to fit different budgets and preferences:
- Newer 1-2 BR apartments: $1,200 – $1,600/month
- Older 2-3 BR houses: $1,600 – $2,000/month mortgage
- Luxury 3-4 BR houses: $2,200 – $3,000+/month mortgage
It’s important to note that many communities in Mesa have Homeowners Associations (HOAs). While not mandatory everywhere, HOA fees can add $200 – $400+ to the monthly cost of homeownership. Renters may have some or all of the HOA fees included in their base rent.
Utilities and Energy Bills
Utility costs in Mesa are relatively affordable compared to other parts of the country. However, the hot desert climate means that cooling costs can spike significantly in the summer months. Expect to budget more for electricity in June through September.
For a typical 2-bedroom apartment, here are some average monthly utility estimates:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $120 – $220 |
| Water | $40 – $80 |
| Gas (if applicable) | $20 – $50 |
| Trash/Recycling | $20 – $40 |
| Internet | $50 – $100 |
Utility costs can vary based on the size and efficiency of your home, as well as your usage habits. Many newer properties in Mesa have good insulation and energy-efficient appliances, which can help keep bills manageable.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Mesa offers a variety of grocery stores and markets at different price points. An average single adult may spend around $300 – $400 per month on groceries, while a family of four might budget closer to $800 – $1,000.
Dining out is a popular option as well, with many local and chain restaurants throughout Mesa. A typical household might allocate $200 – $500 per month for restaurant meals and takeout, depending on frequency and family size.
Don’t forget to factor in household essentials like cleaning supplies, toiletries, and paper goods. Depending on your household size and brand preferences, these items might add $50 – $150 to the monthly budget.
Taxes and Fees
Mesa’s property tax rate is around 0.55%, which is relatively low compared to many other parts of the country. For a home valued at $350,000, annual property taxes would be about $1,925 or $160 per month.
Arizona’s base sales tax rate is 5.6%, with Mesa adding an additional 1.75% for a total of 7.35%. This applies to most goods and services, including restaurant meals and some groceries.
Vehicle registration fees in Mesa depend on factors like the age and type of vehicle. For a new passenger car, registration might cost around $550 initially and then $180 per year to renew. Older vehicles have lower renewal fees.
Monthly Budget Summary
| Expense Category | Single Adult | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent/mortgage) | $1,200 | $1,600 | $2,000 |
| Utilities | $200 | $280 | $400 |
| Groceries & Dining Out | $500 | $800 | $1,200 |
| Transportation & Vehicle | $300 | $500 | $800 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | $400 | $600 | $800 |
| Monthly Total (estimate) | $2,600 | $3,780 | $5,200 |
These figures represent gross monthly income estimates. To live comfortably in Mesa, a single adult may need to earn around $2,600 per month before taxes, while a couple should aim for $3,800 and a family of four around $5,200. Actual budgets can vary significantly depending on lifestyle, neighborhood, and spending habits.
Lifestyle Considerations
Mesa is a sprawling suburban city, so having a car is important for most errands and commuting. Traffic congestion is moderate compared to larger metros, with typical commute times around 25-30 minutes.
Housing options range from compact condos to spacious single-family homes. Older neighborhoods tend to be more affordable and walkable, while newer developments often have larger floor plans and more amenities.
Mesa has a variety of parks, trails, and recreational areas that are free or low-cost to enjoy. However, entertainment expenses like movies, events, and attractions can add up quickly, especially with a family.
In general, Mesa offers a relatively affordable suburban lifestyle with easy access to the Phoenix metro area. Residents can choose from a variety of housing and neighborhood options to fit their budget and preferences, although some tradeoffs are common. For example, living closer in may mean a smaller or older home, while newer properties are often found further out from the city center.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Is Mesa less expensive than other Phoenix suburbs?
Mesa is generally considered one of the more affordable suburbs in the Phoenix area. Cities like Gilbert and Chandler may have slightly higher housing costs.
-
Are utilities expensive in Mesa?
Utilities are relatively affordable in Mesa, although electric bills tend to spike in the summer due to air conditioning. Choosing an energy-efficient home can help manage costs.
-
How much can I expect to pay in taxes living in Mesa?
Mesa has a sales tax rate of 7.35% and property taxes around 0.55% of home value. Arizona also has a state income tax ranging from 2.59% to 4.50%.
-
Is it possible to live in Mesa without a car?
Mesa is a car-centric suburb, so living without a vehicle can be challenging. Some central neighborhoods are walkable, and there are public transit options, but most errands require driving.
-
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Mesa?
To live comfortably, a single adult in Mesa should aim to earn around $2,600 per month before taxes. Couples may need $3,800 and families closer to $5,200 monthly. Actual budgets depend on lifestyle and housing choices.