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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Fort Collins is 54% more expensive than Mesquite.

$1,661/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 15%
$83,598/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 14%
$548,400 ↑ 142%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 59%
$1,692/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 18%
169,705
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $254/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $3,048/year.

Median household income is $11,755/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 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

Fort Collins vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Mesquite?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $254/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Mesquite?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $11,755/year higher in Fort Collins.
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 Fort Collins or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/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 Fort Collins details → View Mesquite details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Mesquite

Fort Collins vs. Lancaster Fort Collins vs. Springfield Fort Collins vs. Pembroke Pines Fort Collins vs. Palmdale Fort Collins vs. Garden Grove Fort Collins vs. Salinas Mesquite vs. Pasadena Mesquite vs. Pomona Mesquite vs. Naperville Mesquite vs. Bridgeport Mesquite vs. Surprise Mesquite vs. Rockford