Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Mesquite, TX (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Huntsville is 12% cheaper than Mesquite.

$1,078/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 31%
$70,778/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↑ 2%
$263,100 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 14%
$1,046/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↑ 32%
218,814
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $329/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $3,948/year.

Median household income is $1,065/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Huntsville or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Mesquite?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $329/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Mesquite?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $1,065/year higher in Mesquite.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Texas?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/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 Huntsville details → View Mesquite details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and Mesquite

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