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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Arlington is 128% more expensive than Mesquite.

$2,275/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 38%
$140,160/yr ↑ 95%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 49%
$864,800 ↑ 282%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 74%
$2,414/mo ↑ 75%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 43%
235,463
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $868/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $10,416/year.

Median household income is $68,317/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 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

Arlington vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Arlington or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Mesquite?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $868/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Mesquite?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $68,317/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/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.
View Arlington details → View Mesquite details →

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