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

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Dallas is 9% more expensive than Mesquite.

$1,403/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ≈ Same
$67,760/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↑ 6%
$295,300 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 23%
$1,409/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 2%
1,299,553
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,083/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Dallas or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Mesquite?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $4/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Mesquite?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $4,083/year higher in Mesquite.
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 Dallas or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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 Dallas details → View Mesquite details →

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