Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Mesquite, TX (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Boston is 98% more expensive than Mesquite.

$2,093/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 33%
$94,755/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 24%
$710,400 ↑ 214%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 68%
$2,176/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 36%
663,972
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $686/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $8,232/year.

Median household income is $22,912/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Boston or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Mesquite?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $686/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Mesquite?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $22,912/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Texas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Mesquite details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boston and Mesquite

Boston vs. Washington Boston vs. Las Vegas Boston vs. El Paso Boston vs. Portland Boston vs. Nashville Boston vs. Detroit Mesquite vs. Pasadena Mesquite vs. Pomona Mesquite vs. Naperville Mesquite vs. Bridgeport Mesquite vs. Surprise Mesquite vs. Rockford