Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Mesquite, TX (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Los Angeles is 110% more expensive than Mesquite.

$1,879/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 25%
$80,366/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 11%
$879,500 ↑ 288%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 74%
$2,055/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 33%
3,857,897
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $472/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $5,664/year.

Median household income is $8,523/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Mesquite?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $472/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Mesquite?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $8,523/year higher in Los Angeles.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Mesquite details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Los Angeles and Mesquite

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