Denver, Colorado and Mesa, Arizona are both popular cities in the United States with unique characteristics. Denver, often referred to as the Mile High City due to its elevation, offers residents and visitors a city with a vibrant outdoor culture, stable economy, and fantastic food scene. Mesa, known for its hot desert weather, offers a lower cost of living, strong education system, and a growing economy. Both cities are unique and offer different opportunities for both residents and visitors.
Distance between
Denver, CO and
Mesa, AZ : 575.8 miles
Denver's population is larger by 40%. Its population has grown by 156,827 people (28.3%) since 2000. The population of Mesa has grown by 113,100 people (28.5%) during that time.
Denver has a higher crime rate compared to the national average, but it's not considered one of the most dangerous cities in America. Mesa generally experiences lower crime rates than Denver. However, its property crime rates are slightly higher than the national average. Both cities have systems in place to ensure public safety and emergency response. It is always recommended to research local neighborhoods and exercise routine safety protocols.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,932 registered sex offenders living in Denver and 635 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Denver is 359 to 1; the ratio in Mesa is 763 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Denver than in Mesa.
Cost of Living
Generally speaking, the cost of living in Denver is higher than Mesa. This is primarily due to housing costs. Denver's real estate market is more expensive than Mesa's. Grocery, healthcare, and transportation costs also tend to be higher in Denver. Mesa is a more affordable option for families or individuals on a tight budget.
Income Tax
Colorado has a flat income tax rate of 4.63%, which applies to all residents, including those in Denver. Arizona has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 2.59% to 4.50% for residents of Mesa.
Property Tax
City and state property taxes are higher in Denver compared to Mesa. Denver has an average property tax rate of 0.56%, while Mesa has a lower property tax rate of 0.52%.
Sales Tax
The city and state sales tax in Denver is relatively high, with an 8.31% combined rate. Mesa has a lower combined sales tax rate at 8.05%.
Income
Type
Denver
Mesa
Estimated median household income
$81,630
$69,266
Estimated per capita income
$52,690
$35,439
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
111.3
101
If you make $50,000 in Mesa, you will have to make $55,099 in Denver to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Denver is known for its mountainous terrain, high elevation, and proximity to numerous outdoor recreational spots. Mesa, located in the Sonoran Desert, offers a flat landscape with the Superstition Mountains and Salt River nearby—which provides ample opportunities for hiking and boating.
Both Denver and Mesa have a strong education system. Denver's education system is a bit more diverse, with more than 200 public, charter, and private schools. Mesa's school system is also strong and includes a large community college and an extension campus of the University of Arizona. Higher education opportunities are present in both cities.
Both Denver and Mesa have strong economies. Denver's economy is driven by sectors such as technology, aerospace, and healthcare. Mesa's economy is based on healthcare, education, and construction. Both cities have steady job markets with regular growth, making them attractive for job seekers.
Biggest Employers
Denver's largest employers include United Airlines, CenturyLink, and HealthONE Corporation. Mesa’s largest employers include Banner Health System, Mesa Public Schools, and Boeing.
There were 1,550 building permits issued in Denver in 2012 (847 more than in 2011) compared to 2,046 building permits issued in Mesa in 2012 (1543 more than in 2011).
In Denver (Denver County), 73.9% voted for Democrats and 24.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Mesa (Maricopa County), 43.6% voted for Democrats and 54.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Denver
Mesa
Denver
Mesa
Denver
Mesa
2020
80.1%
50.2%
18.3%
48.0%
1.6%
1.8%
2016
74.2%
44.9%
19.0%
47.7%
6.8%
7.5%
2012
73.9%
43.6%
24.3%
54.3%
1.7%
2.1%
2008
75.8%
44.0%
23.2%
54.5%
1.0%
1.5%
2004
69.7%
42.4%
29.3%
57.0%
0.9%
0.6%
2000
62.0%
43.0%
30.9%
53.4%
7.0%
3.6%
1996
61.8%
44.5%
30.0%
47.2%
8.2%
8.2%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Denver
Mesa
Denver
Mesa
CATHOLIC CHURCH
26.6%
13.6%
8.7%
4.3%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
2.1%
0.2%
4.3%
0.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.1%
0.3%
3.2%
1.3%
SALVATION ARMY
1.1%
0.1%
0.7%
0.5%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.9%
1.9%
6.8%
6.5%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.7%
0.4%
3.0%
2.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.5%
0.2%
0.9%
1.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.8%
2.7%
2.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.3%
0.5%
2.3%
1.5%
VINEYARD USA
0.0%
0.3%
0.2%
0.6%
Weather
Denver experiences a four-season climate with hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. Mesa, on the other hand, is known for its hot desert climate, with very hot summers and mild winters. The city rarely experiences snow. If you love sunshine, both cities offer plenty of it. Denver generally has more temperature variation, whilst Mesa maintains a consistently warm climate year-round.
Weather and climate
Type
Denver
Mesa
Temperature - Average
49.5°F
71.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
50.6%
37.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
20%
48%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
60%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
35%
12%
Precipitation - Yearly average
17 in
9.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
114 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.2%
35.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
75.6%
92.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
10%
16%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
95%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
64%
79%
Wind speed - Average
8.6 mph
6.6 mph
Average climate in Denver, Colorado
Average climate in Mesa, Arizona
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Denver
Mesa
Denver
Mesa
Denver
Mesa
Denver
Mesa
Denver
Denver
Mesa
Denver
Mesa
Denver
Mesa
2018
100
200
0.50
0.28
25.4
15.1
27.9
34.8
N/A
N/A
29.2
28.1
8.6
7.5
0.7
0.6
2017
95
128
0.49
0.28
25.9
15.8
27.6
35.1
N/A
N/A
22.0
24.5
8.4
8.2
0.8
1.4
2016
90
121
0.53
0.31
27.7
15.7
27.2
34.6
N/A
N/A
22.6
21.5
8.7
6.8
1.0
0.4
2015
101
104
0.53
0.34
27.8
17.6
25.2
33.4
N/A
N/A
21.0
17.7
10.4
6.8
1.0
0.9
2014
94
135
0.53
0.33
25.4
19.6
24.6
34.0
N/A
N/A
25.1
30.8
10.1
8.4
1.3
1.1
2013
85
141
0.45
0.31
21.9
19.9
24.0
34.8
N/A
N/A
24.4
29.3
N/A
5.8
1.5
0.9
2012
91
159
0.33
0.38
18.9
21.2
26.2
33.7
N/A
N/A
24.9
37.9
N/A
8.1
1.4
1.3
2011
91
205
0.34
0.31
18.1
18.5
25.8
34.1
N/A
N/A
23.7
40.4
N/A
9.5
1.6
0.9
2010
82
100
0.43
0.31
16.3
16.4
23.6
32.9
N/A
N/A
26.4
29.5
N/A
8.3
1.0
1.2
2009
79
109
0.41
0.33
14.1
16.6
23.1
32.3
0.005
N/A
22.2
37.8
N/A
N/A
1.3
1.0
2008
85
106
0.43
0.29
17.3
17.5
26.0
34.2
0.008
N/A
25.2
39.9
N/A
N/A
1.6
1.1
2007
96
134
0.37
0.43
20.6
19.3
21.9
31.0
0.007
N/A
30.2
50.6
N/A
N/A
1.2
1.9
2006
89
138
0.51
0.44
19.0
22.1
22.1
30.9
0.008
N/A
28.0
57.5
N/A
N/A
1.4
1.8
2005
86
109
0.57
0.49
21.3
22.6
20.9
30.0
0.068
N/A
30.9
49.1
N/A
N/A
1.5
1.7
2004
82
97
0.60
0.51
21.2
22.4
19.2
30.4
0.012
N/A
28.6
33.4
N/A
N/A
1.8
1.4
2003
106
99
0.60
0.56
21.2
24.0
20.8
31.7
0.015
N/A
32.6
42.6
N/A
N/A
1.9
1.4
2002
86
110
0.65
0.69
19.2
24.9
20.4
28.0
0.014
N/A
35.7
41.8
N/A
N/A
2.5
1.6
2001
95
105
0.86
0.65
23.6
23.8
18.6
27.2
0.012
N/A
32.6
37.8
N/A
N/A
2.6
1.5
2000
93
117
0.81
0.76
13.4
29.8
19.2
27.1
0.013
N/A
12.2
45.6
N/A
N/A
2.1
1.7
Natural disasters
Type
Denver
Mesa
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
129.5%
18.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
811.7%
2,348.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
10%
16%
Transportation
Denver offers multiple public transportation options, including light rail and bus services. The city is also bike-friendly. Commuting in Denver can be challenging due to traffic, especially during peak hours. Mesa offers bus services and a light rail line to Phoenix. Car travel is the most common mode of transportation in Mesa due to its sprawling layout.
Transport
Type
Denver
Mesa
Amtrak stations
2
0
Amtrak stations nearby
2
2
FAA registered aircraft
602
828
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
28
20
Means of transportation to work
Type
Denver
Mesa
Bicycle
1.5%
0.6%
Bus
2.6%
0.3%
Carpooled
8.8%
14.4%
Car alone
81.1%
79.9%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.5%
Railroad
1.2%
0%
Streetcar
0.2%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
2.8%
2.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
Denver
Mesa
Average
29.4 min
25 min
Other means
24.2 min
26.9 min
Public transportation
38 min
45.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Denver
Mesa
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
90.6%
85.8%
In 2 person carpool
7.3%
11.1%
In 3 person carpool
1.3%
2.1%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.5%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.2%
0.5%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Denver's real estate market tends to be more expensive than Mesa's. Both cities have seen a significant increase in property values over the years, but housing in Denver remains comparatively pricier. Mesa's real estate market is more affordable but still offers a variety of housing options.
Neighborhoods
Denver offers a mix of urban and suburban neighborhoods, each with a unique character. Popular neighborhoods include Capitol Hill, Highlands, and Stapleton. In Mesa, popular neighborhoods include Downtown Mesa, Eastmark, and Las Sendas. Both cities offer a mix of quiet, family-friendly neighborhoods and vibrant downtown areas.
Houses and residents
Type
Denver
Mesa
Houses
351,829
221,995
Average household size (people)
2.2
2.6
Median year apartment built
1981
1987
Median year house/condo built
1966
1989
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.3 years
11.2 years
Houses occupied
326,634 (92.8%)
199,112 (89.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
164,429 (50.3%)
126,146 (63.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
162,205 (49.7%)
72,966 (36.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,674
$1,890
Median monthly housing costs
$1,626
$1,220
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$970,375
$262,297
Estimated median house or condo value
$541,500
$350,100
Median numbers of rooms
4.6
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.5
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.4
5.9
Median house price - detached houses
$690,450
$421,563
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$668,727
$124,748
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$410,273
$226,327
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$487,647
$250,077
Median house price - mobile homes
$174,140
$70,636
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$568,100
$256,984
Median house price - All housing units
$644,007
$364,728
Median house age
47
33
Renting percentage
50%
36.8%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,294.3
1,776.1
House value disparities
26.4%
31.1%
Household income disparities
44%
42.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$120,615
$97,987
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$77,011
$63,218
Housing units without a mortgage
2,112 (1.7%)
1,338 (1.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
9,615 (7.6%)
5,628 (6.9%)
Housing units with a mortgage
123,690 (98.3%)
80,572 (98.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
273 (0.2%)
48 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,819 (10.2%)
7,236 (8.8%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
7
8
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.3%
0.9%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.8%
0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Denver
Mesa
One, detached
42.9%
55.9%
One, attached
8.3%
6.6%
Two
2.1%
1.0%
3 or 4
3.1%
5.1%
5 to 9
3.6%
6.0%
10 to 19
7.0%
5.0%
20 to 49
10.4%
2.8%
50 or more
22.0%
5.3%
Mobile homes
0.4%
11.8%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.6%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
24,661
10,562
State government workers
15,204
6,039
Unpaid family workers
763
830
Industries and Occupations
In Denver, the top industries are technology, energy, and healthcare. In Mesa, the leading industries are healthcare, education, and aerospace. Both cities have a diverse mix of occupations, offering potential residents a wide range of job opportunities.
Both Denver and Mesa boast strong healthcare systems. Denver is home to nationally-ranked hospitals such as UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital. Mesa has Banner Health, one of the largest health systems in the country. Both cities offer a broad range of healthcare services to residents and visitors.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Denver
Mesa
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Denver boasts major interstates, an advanced light rail system, and a large airport. It is known for well-maintained public spaces and parks. Mesa's infrastructure highlights include well-designed highways, maintained community facilities, and a smaller municipal airport, with the major Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport close by.
Infrastructure
Type
Denver
Mesa
Hospitals
16
13
TV stations
17
18
Bank branches located here
205
97
Bank institutions located here
43
22
Main business address for public companies
58
2
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
8
1
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Denver
Mesa
1999
2,727
2,532
2000
2,698
2,428
2001
1,996
1,854
2002
1,591
1,520
2003
2,472
1,991
2004
3,789
2,897
2005
5,168
3,857
2006
5,506
3,727
2007
3,599
1,896
2008
1,902
765
2009
768
440
Culture and Food
Denver is known for its vibrant food scene, cultural institutions like the Denver Art Museum, and a strong music scene. Mesa is renowned for its Native American heritage, arts scene, and southwestern cuisine. Both cities offer rich cultural experiences and diverse culinary options for residents and tourists alike.
Sports Teams
Denver is a sporting city, home to the Denver Broncos (NFL), Colorado Rockies (MLB), Denver Nuggets (NBA), and Colorado Avalanche (NHL). Mesa does not have its own major league sports teams but is a favorite spring training ground for the Chicago Cubs (MLB).
Denver, CO
Mesa, AZ
Denver, CO and 
Mesa, AZ : 575.8 miles
