Cost of Living: Mesquite, TX vs Athens, GA (2026)

Mesquite

Texas
89
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Mesquite is 7% more expensive than Athens.

$1,407/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 17%
$71,843/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 28%
$226,500 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$271,800 ↑ 20%
$1,383/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 16%
148,848
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesquite, TX and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $245/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $2,940/year.

Median household income is $20,188/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesquite is $226,500 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesquite vs Athens — common questions

Is Mesquite or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesquite and Athens?
Median rent in Mesquite is $1,407/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $245/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesquite or Athens?
Median household income is $71,843 in Mesquite and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $20,188/year higher in Mesquite.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Georgia?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Mesquite or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,407/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesquite details → View Athens details →

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