Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Mesquite, TX (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Durham is 18% more expensive than Mesquite.

$1,412/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ≈ Same
$79,234/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 9%
$355,300 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 36%
$1,434/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 4%
288,465
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,391/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Durham or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Mesquite?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $5/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Mesquite?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $7,391/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Mesquite details →

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