Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Mesquite, TX (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Chicago is 12% more expensive than Mesquite.

$1,380/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 2%
$75,134/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 4%
$315,200 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 28%
$1,502/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 8%
2,707,648
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

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

Median household income is $3,291/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Chicago or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Mesquite?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $27/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Mesquite?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $3,291/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Texas?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Mesquite details →

More Comparisons

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