Cost of Living: Aurora, CO vs Mesquite, TX (2026)

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Aurora is 46% more expensive than Mesquite.

$1,759/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 20%
$84,320/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 15%
$444,500 ↑ 96%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 49%
$1,762/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 22%
390,201
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $352/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $4,224/year.

Median household income is $12,477/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Aurora or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Mesquite?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $352/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Mesquite?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $12,477/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Texas?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/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 Aurora details → View Mesquite details →

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