Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Mesquite, TX (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Boise is 26% more expensive than Mesquite.

$1,359/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 4%
$81,308/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 12%
$456,000 ↑ 101%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 50%
$1,337/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↑ 3%
235,701
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.63%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,465/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over Idaho's 5.8% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Boise or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Mesquite?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $48/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Mesquite?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $9,465/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Texas?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/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 Boise details → View Mesquite details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Mesquite

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Mesquite vs. Pasadena Mesquite vs. Pomona Mesquite vs. Naperville Mesquite vs. Bridgeport Mesquite vs. Surprise Mesquite vs. Rockford