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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Garland is 8% more expensive than Mesquite.

$1,525/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 8%
$74,717/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 4%
$248,900 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 9%
$1,445/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 4%
245,298
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $118/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $1,416/year.

Median household income is $2,874/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Garland or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Mesquite?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $118/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Mesquite?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $2,874/year higher in Garland.
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 Garland or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/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 Garland details → View Mesquite details →

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