Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Mesquite, TX (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Anaheim is 93% more expensive than Mesquite.

$2,082/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 32%
$90,583/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 21%
$771,700 ↑ 241%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 71%
$2,165/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 36%
344,553
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $675/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $8,100/year.

Median household income is $18,740/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Anaheim or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Mesquite?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $675/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Mesquite?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $18,740/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/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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