2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Payson, AZ vs Mesa, AZ

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Highlights
Are people in Mesa older or younger than people in Payson?
- The Median Age in Mesa is 22.5 years younger than in Payson.

Are housing costs cheaper in Mesa or Payson?
- Mesa housing costs are 6.5% more expensive than Payson housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Mesa or Payson?
- The average commute for residents of Mesa is 6.1 minutes longer than it is for residents of Payson.

Things to do in Payson?
Payson, AZ is an incorporated town located in Gila County with a population of around fifteen thousand people. Payson offers plenty of outdoor activities perfect for anyone looking to explore nature through hiking trails or fishing at the local rodeo pond! Additionally there are many stores, eateries, and entertainment spots available offering its community something fun to do all year round.

Things to do in Mesa?
Mesa, Arizona is a vibrant city filled with activities and attractions for all ages. Visit the Arizona Museum of Natural History or take in a show at the Hohokam Stadium. Head out to Usery Mountain Regional Park and explore some of the most stunning views in Arizona, or stay downtown and experience Mesa's culture and nightlife. Whether you're looking for outdoor recreation, history, culture, or just a relaxing retreat from city life, Mesa is sure to provide it all!

 Payson, AZMesa, AZUnited States
 Population  Unlock497,752329,725,481
 Median Income$58,109  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock36.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$400,000  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time18.73  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Payson    15 Reviews

We have lived in Payson for over 5 years and love it. It has two large grocery stores, a Walmart, Home Depot, a dozen thrift/ treasure shops, more local shops than we  More

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Over 6 years ago

Payson is a wonderful town especially for retired people and people that want a slower pace... Lots of outdoor activities  More

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Over 6 years ago

I've lived in Payson for 25 years, thank god I worked out of town. There is a saying GO TO PAYSON ON VACATION GO HOME ON PROBATION TURN IN THREE YOU GO  More

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Reviews for Mesa    61 Reviews

Mesa is a really good city despite some trouble with Superstition Springs and the failure that is Fiesta Mall, there is nice areas throughout and some areas that need to  More

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Over 2 years ago

As someone who was born in Mesa and has lived here in the 85210 in Dobson Ranch for the last 13 years after moving out from Chandler. I can tell you that most of the  More

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I’m a native to Arizona and growing up here has taught me that people just don’t care, and the Mormon community is huge! It’s normal in the state of AZ for kids to start  More

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