First Mesa, AZ vs Red Mesa, AZ

First Mesa, AZ and Red Mesa, AZ have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.9% difference in their overall index. First Mesa scores 60 while Red Mesa scores 59 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in First Mesa is $731/month compared to $913/month in Red Mesa — a 20% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while First Mesa has cheaper rent, Red Mesa actually has lower median home values ($13,900 vs $57,100).

Median household income in First Mesa is $53,173 compared to $74,167 in Red Mesa (-28.3%). Red Mesa offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of First Mesa spend roughly 16.5% of their income on rent, more than the 14.8% in Red Mesa.