Cost of Living: Elk Grove, CA vs Mesquite, TX (2026)

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Elk Grove is 89% more expensive than Mesquite.

$2,180/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 35%
$122,229/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 41%
$603,400 ↑ 166%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 62%
$2,227/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 38%
177,221
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $773/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $9,276/year.

Median household income is $50,386/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Mesquite?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $773/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Mesquite?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $50,386/year higher in Elk Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Elk Grove or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/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 Elk Grove details → View Mesquite details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and Mesquite

Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem Mesquite vs. Pasadena Mesquite vs. Pomona Mesquite vs. Naperville Mesquite vs. Bridgeport Mesquite vs. Surprise Mesquite vs. Rockford