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

McKinney

Texas
138
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

McKinney is 55% more expensive than Mesquite.

$1,841/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 24%
$120,273/yr ↑ 67%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 40%
$439,500 ↑ 94%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 48%
$2,101/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 34%
202,314
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

18.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McKinney, TX and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $434/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $5,208/year.

Median household income is $48,430/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McKinney is $439,500 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McKinney vs Mesquite — common questions

Is McKinney or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McKinney and Mesquite?
Median rent in McKinney is $1,841/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $434/month.
Which city has higher income, McKinney or Mesquite?
Median household income is $120,273 in McKinney and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $48,430/year higher in McKinney.
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 McKinney or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. McKinney has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,841/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 McKinney details → View Mesquite details →

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