Cost of Living: Mesquite, TX vs Carlsbad, CA (2026)

Mesquite

Texas
89
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Mesquite is 65% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,407/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 90%
$71,843/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 94%
$226,500 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 411%
$1,383/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 103%
148,848
Population
114,500

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesquite, TX and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,271/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $15,252/year.

Median household income is $67,483/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesquite is $226,500 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesquite vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Mesquite or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesquite and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Mesquite is $1,407/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,271/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesquite or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $71,843 in Mesquite and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $67,483/year higher in Carlsbad.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Mesquite or Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,407/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesquite details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesquite and Carlsbad

Mesquite vs. Pasadena Mesquite vs. Pomona Mesquite vs. Naperville Mesquite vs. Bridgeport Mesquite vs. Surprise Mesquite vs. Rockford Carlsbad vs. East Los Angeles Carlsbad vs. Waterbury Carlsbad vs. Lowell Carlsbad vs. Provo Carlsbad vs. League City Carlsbad vs. Elgin