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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Houston and Mesquite have a similar cost of living.

$1,313/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 7%
$62,894/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↑ 14%
$253,400 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 11%
$1,316/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↑ 5%
2,300,419
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $94/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $1,128/year.

Median household income is $8,949/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Houston or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Mesquite?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $94/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Mesquite?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $8,949/year higher in Mesquite.
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 Houston or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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.
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