Cost of Living: Little Rock, AR vs Mesquite, TX (2026)

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Little Rock is 17% cheaper than Mesquite.

$1,067/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 32%
$60,583/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↑ 19%
$221,200 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$226,500 ↑ 2%
$1,099/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↑ 26%
202,739
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $340/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $4,080/year.

Median household income is $11,260/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over Arkansas's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Little Rock or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Mesquite?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $340/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Mesquite?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $11,260/year higher in Mesquite.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and Texas?
Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Little Rock or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/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 Little Rock details → View Mesquite details →

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