Cost of Living: Mesquite, TX vs Billings, MT (2026)

Mesquite

Texas
89
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Mesquite is 3% more expensive than Billings.

$1,407/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 22%
$71,843/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$71,855/yr ≈ Same
$226,500 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 38%
$1,383/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 15%
148,848
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesquite, TX and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $310/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $3,720/year.

Median household income is $12/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesquite is $226,500 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over Montana's 6.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesquite vs Billings — common questions

Is Mesquite or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesquite and Billings?
Median rent in Mesquite is $1,407/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $310/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesquite or Billings?
Median household income is $71,843 in Mesquite and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $12/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Montana?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Mesquite or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,407/mo, while Billings has a cost index of 86 with rent of $1,097/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesquite details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesquite and Billings

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