Cost of Living: Amarillo, TX vs Mesquite, TX (2026)

Amarillo

Texas
69
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Amarillo is 20% cheaper than Mesquite.

$1,049/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 34%
$62,469/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↑ 15%
$186,800 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$226,500 ↑ 21%
$1,074/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↑ 29%
200,945
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Amarillo, TX and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $358/month cheaper in Amarillo, saving renters about $4,296/year.

Median household income is $9,374/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Amarillo is $186,800 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Amarillo vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Amarillo or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Amarillo is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Amarillo and Mesquite?
Median rent in Amarillo is $1,049/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $358/month.
Which city has higher income, Amarillo or Mesquite?
Median household income is $62,469 in Amarillo and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $9,374/year higher in Mesquite.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Amarillo or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,049/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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