San Tan Valley, AZ vs. Mesa, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: San Tan Valley vs Mesa. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of San Tan Valley vs Mesa in 2025.
Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how San Tan Valley and Mesa compare for common housing options:
| Housing Type | San Tan Valley | Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,450 | $1,650 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $380,000 | $450,000 |
🏆 Winner: San Tan Valley. Housing costs about 12-15% less in San Tan Valley compared to Mesa.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect to pay around $200-250 per month for a typical apartment. Mesa residents may have slightly lower summer cooling bills thanks to the city’s energy-efficiency programs.
🏆 Winner: Mesa, but only by a small margin. Utility costs are comparable.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery prices and everyday items like gas tend to be 5-10% cheaper in San Tan Valley compared to Mesa. Eating out is also more affordable – a meal for two at a mid-range San Tan Valley restaurant averages $50, vs $60 in Mesa.
🏆 Winner: San Tan Valley offers meaningfully lower costs for groceries and daily spending.
Taxes and Fees
Arizona has relatively low income taxes compared to other states. Property taxes are also below the national average. San Tan Valley’s property tax rate of 0.6% is notably lower than Mesa’s 0.8% rate.
In San Tan Valley, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash pickup. Mesa has fewer HOAs, but also fewer included services.
🏆 Winner: San Tan Valley. Lower property taxes give it the edge.
Cost of Living in San Tan Valley vs Mesa: Summary
| Category | San Tan Valley | Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,450 | $1,650 |
| Utilities | $225 | $210 |
| Groceries | $350 | $380 |
| Transportation | $60 | $75 |
| Taxes | $180 | $240 |
| Misc | $200 | $250 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,465 | $2,805 |
A household moving from Mesa to San Tan Valley might save $340 per month on housing and living costs alone.
Lifestyle Fit
While San Tan Valley is more affordable, Mesa offers perks like walkability, public transit, and proximity to Phoenix. San Tan Valley provides more space and a quieter suburban feel.
San Tan Valley averages 5°F cooler than Mesa in the summer months.
Mesa’s light rail system makes it easier to get around without a car.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is San Tan Valley more affordable than Mesa?
- Yes, the cost of living is about 12% lower in San Tan Valley.
- Which city has lower rent?
- Rents are around 12% cheaper in San Tan Valley compared to similar homes in Mesa.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
- San Tan Valley home prices are roughly 15% lower than in Mesa as of 2025.
Conclusion
San Tan Valley offers meaningfully lower living costs than Mesa, especially for housing. It’s a great fit for families looking for an affordable suburb with newer homes.
However, Mesa’s location and public transit provide other lifestyle benefits. It’s ideal for those who want to be close to Phoenix or prefer a more walkable area.
Budgeting in a new city? Check out our Monthly Budget Examples for San Tan Valley Residents and Cost of Living in San Tan Valley (2025 Guide) for more insights.