Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Mesquite, TX (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Alexandria is 84% more expensive than Mesquite.

$2,031/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 31%
$113,638/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 37%
$696,800 ↑ 208%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 67%
$2,173/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 36%
156,788
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $624/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $7,488/year.

Median household income is $41,795/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Alexandria or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Mesquite?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $624/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Mesquite?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $41,795/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Texas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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