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

Mesquite

Texas
89
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Mesquite is 25% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,407/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 21%
$71,843/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 13%
$226,500 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 21%
$1,383/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 19%
148,848
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesquite, TX and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $301/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $3,612/year.

Median household income is $9,123/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesquite is $226,500 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesquite vs Abilene — common questions

Is Mesquite or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesquite and Abilene?
Median rent in Mesquite is $1,407/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $301/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesquite or Abilene?
Median household income is $71,843 in Mesquite and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $9,123/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 Mesquite or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,407/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesquite details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesquite and Abilene

Mesquite vs. Pasadena Mesquite vs. Pomona Mesquite vs. Naperville Mesquite vs. Bridgeport Mesquite vs. Surprise Mesquite vs. Rockford Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland