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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Austin is 51% more expensive than Mesquite.

$1,655/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 15%
$91,461/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 21%
$512,700 ↑ 126%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 56%
$1,747/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 21%
967,862
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $248/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $2,976/year.

Median household income is $19,618/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Austin or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Mesquite?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $248/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Mesquite?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $19,618/year higher in Austin.
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 Austin or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Mesquite details →

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