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Mesa vs Scottsdale: Full Comparison

Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data

Quick Answer

Scottsdale is 25% more expensive than Mesa. Scottsdale is 14% safer. Mesa population: 513,656. Scottsdale population: 243,006.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingMesa
SafetyScottsdale
HousingMesa

Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.

Cost of Living: Mesa vs Scottsdale

Mesa is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 100 vs 125 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 25 index points.

CategoryMesaScottsdale
Overall Index100125
Housing$2,100/moIndex: 118$3,293/moIndex: 185
Groceries$406/moIndex: 99$418/moIndex: 102
Transportation$357/moIndex: 102$357/moIndex: 102
Healthcare$320/moIndex: 100$326/moIndex: 102
Utilities$229/moIndex: 104$231/moIndex: 105

Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.

Safety: Mesa vs Scottsdale

Scottsdale is 14% safer overall, with a crime rate of 20.2 per 1,000 residents vs Mesa's 23.6. Scottsdale earns a B- safety grade compared to Mesa's C+. Based on 2023 FBI data.

C+

Mesa

Arizona

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate23.6/1K
TrendStable
B-

Scottsdale

Arizona

Overall GradeB-
Violent CrimeB+
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate20.2/1K
TrendStable
MetricMesaScottsdale
Overall Crime Rate23.6/1K20.2/1K
Violent Crime Rate480.0120.0
Property Crime Rate1876.31900.0
Murder Rate6.51.8
Assault Rate319.499.5
Robbery Rate55.017.2
Burglary Rate251.3326.4
Theft Rate1356.91416.3
Vehicle Theft Rate206.5374.3

Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).

Victim Odds

In Mesa, you have a 1 in 42 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 50 in Scottsdale.

Climate Comparison

Climate data is only available for Scottsdale. A full comparison requires both cities.

Scottsdale Climate Overview

Annual High86.7°F
Annual Low61.5°F
Annual Rain7.8"
Annual SnowNone
Comfortable Months6
Best MonthApril
Worst MonthJuly
Monthly Temperature
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
ComfortableWarmHot

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mesa cheaper than Scottsdale?
Mesa is 25% more affordable than Scottsdale, with a cost of living index of 100 vs 125 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $2,100/mo in Mesa vs $3,293/mo in Scottsdale.
Is Mesa safer than Scottsdale?
Scottsdale is 14% safer overall, with a crime rate of 20.2 per 1,000 residents vs Mesa's 23.6. Scottsdale earns a B- safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Should I move to Mesa or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale is safer (B- grade). Mesa is more affordable (index 100 vs 125). Mesa has a population of 513,656 and Scottsdale has 243,006. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is Mesa compared to Scottsdale?
Mesa has a population of 513,656 and Scottsdale has 243,006. Mesa is 111% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in Mesa or Scottsdale?
Housing is cheaper in Mesa. Estimated monthly housing costs: Mesa $2,100/mo vs Scottsdale $3,293/mo. That's based on a housing index of 118 vs 185 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

C+
Mesa Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
B-
Scottsdale Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
Salary CalculatorClimate Compare ToolSafety Comparison Tool

Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.

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