Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Mesquite, TX (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Denver is 65% more expensive than Mesquite.

$1,770/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 21%
$91,681/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 22%
$586,700 ↑ 159%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 61%
$1,839/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 25%
713,734
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $363/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $4,356/year.

Median household income is $19,838/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Denver or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Mesquite?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $363/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Mesquite?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $19,838/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Texas?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Mesquite details →

More Comparisons

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