Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Mesquite, TX (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Madison is 16% more expensive than Mesquite.

$1,364/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 3%
$76,983/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 7%
$346,900 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 35%
$1,476/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 6%
275,568
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,140/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over Wisconsin's 7.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Madison or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Mesquite?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $43/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Mesquite?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $5,140/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Texas?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View Mesquite details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Madison and Mesquite

Madison vs. Buffalo Madison vs. Chula Vista Madison vs. Chandler Madison vs. Gilbert Madison vs. Plano Madison vs. North Las Vegas Mesquite vs. Pasadena Mesquite vs. Pomona Mesquite vs. Naperville Mesquite vs. Bridgeport Mesquite vs. Surprise Mesquite vs. Rockford