True Cost of Renting in Mesa
Mesa is Arizona's third-largest city and one of the most affordable Phoenix suburbs with direct Light Rail access to Downtown Phoenix and Tempe. The city's aerospace and defense manufacturing cluster (Boeing, Textron, Honeywell at Mesa Gateway Airport) provides stable employment, and SRP electric service across most of Mesa offers a meaningful cost advantage over APS-served areas.
Neighborhoods & Average Rents
Downtown Mesa / Main Street
- Studio:
- $1,100/mo
- 1 Bed:
- $1,400/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $1,900/mo
Revitalized historic downtown with light rail terminus at Main Street and Center; independent restaurants and arts venues. Mix of renovated historic buildings and new apartment developments. SRP electric — summer bills manageable at $100–150/mo in newer buildings.
Mesa Riverview / Northwest Mesa
- Studio:
- $1,200/mo
- 1 Bed:
- $1,500/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $2,000/mo
Newer development near the 202 freeway and Riverview Park; big-box retail mixed with new apartment complexes. Car-dependent but efficient freeway access to I-10 and Loop 101. SRP electric with lower rates than APS.
East Mesa / Gilbert border
- 1 Bed:
- $1,600/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $2,200/mo
Suburban communities near the Gilbert border along Ellsworth Road; newer construction with family-oriented amenities. Quiet residential character. Car-dependent for most errands.
Utility Providers
- Electric
- Salt River Project (SRP)
- Water
- City of Mesa Utilities
- Internet
- Cox Communications, CenturyLink/Lumen, T-Mobile Home Internet
Commute & Transportation
Mesa's Light Rail (end of line at Main/Center) connects to Tempe (10 min) and Downtown Phoenix (30 min) without a car. The 202 (Red Mountain) and 60 (Superstition) freeways provide east-west highway access. Mesa Gateway Airport (formerly Williams AFB) hosts Boeing's largest training operation, Textron Aviation, and Honeywell aerospace, employing thousands. The Falcon Field area in northeast Mesa houses additional aerospace and light manufacturing.
Rental Market Overview
Mesa offers the best value among Phoenix Light Rail-connected suburbs. SRP electric rates apply across the city and average 10–15% lower than APS for comparable usage, providing a meaningful cost advantage. New apartment supply along the 202 corridor has kept vacancy rates moderate. The aerospace employment base at Gateway provides stable demand from skilled manufacturing workers. Downtown Mesa's revitalization has attracted arts and restaurant investment that's raising walkability without yet raising rents to Scottsdale or Tempe levels. Renters insurance averages $14–18/month.
Data last updated: 2026-04
Compare Apartments in Mesa
Enter your rental options below to see the true all-in monthly cost.