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

Killeen

Texas
75
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Killeen is 16% cheaper than Mesquite.

$1,147/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 23%
$58,339/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↑ 23%
$196,000 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$226,500 ↑ 16%
$1,176/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↑ 18%
156,144
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Killeen, TX and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $260/month cheaper in Killeen, saving renters about $3,120/year.

Median household income is $13,504/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Killeen is $196,000 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Killeen vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Killeen or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Killeen and Mesquite?
Median rent in Killeen is $1,147/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $260/month.
Which city has higher income, Killeen or Mesquite?
Median household income is $58,339 in Killeen and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $13,504/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 Killeen or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Killeen has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,147/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 Killeen details → View Mesquite details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Killeen and Mesquite

Killeen vs. Lakewood Killeen vs. Kansas City Killeen vs. Macon Killeen vs. Springfield Killeen vs. Alexandria Killeen vs. Sunnyvale Mesquite vs. Pasadena Mesquite vs. Pomona Mesquite vs. Naperville Mesquite vs. Bridgeport Mesquite vs. Surprise Mesquite vs. Rockford