Median rent is 22% lower in Mesa ($1,478/mo vs $1,896/mo). Buying is cheaper in Mesa, where the median home runs $364,300 versus $483,400. Households earn more in Hillsboro ($103,207 vs $78,779 a year). Taken together, Hillsboro is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 103.6 against 103.9 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Hillsboro, OR.
City A
Hillsboro, OR
City B
Mesa, AZ
How much would you need to earn in Mesa, AZ to maintain your standard of living from Hillsboro, OR?
Equivalent salary in Mesa, AZ
$75,179
You'd need $179 more (0% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Hillsboro
Oregon
Mesa
Arizona
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Mesa — median rent of $1,478/mo versus $1,896/mo in Hillsboro, a 22% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Hillsboro: the median home is $483,400 versus $364,300 in Mesa — 25% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Oregon's top income tax rate is 9.90% versus 2.50% in Arizona, so Mesa is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 0.00% in Oregon and 5.60% in Arizona; Hillsboro has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Hillsboro
Income tax: 9.90%
Sales tax: None
Mesa
Income tax: 2.50%
Sales tax: 5.60%
Air quality data is available for Mesa (avg AQI 67.0) but not yet for Hillsboro.
Pick Hillsboro if you prioritize higher median household income ($103,207/yr).
Pick Mesa if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,478/mo median).
Pick Mesa if you prioritize lower state income tax (2.50%).
Is Hillsboro cheaper than Mesa?
Hillsboro is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 103.6 versus 103.9 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Hillsboro.
How much is rent in Hillsboro vs Mesa?
Median rent is $1,896/mo in Hillsboro, OR and $1,478/mo in Mesa, AZ. Mesa, AZ has the lower rent by about 22%.
Which has higher salaries — Hillsboro or Mesa?
Median household income is $103,207 in Hillsboro, OR and $78,779 in Mesa, AZ. Hillsboro, OR has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Hillsboro or Mesa?
Oregon's top income tax rate is 9.90% and Arizona's is 2.50%. Mesa, AZ has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Mesa to match my Hillsboro income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Hillsboro, OR is equivalent to roughly $100,239 in Mesa, AZ (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology