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

Mesquite

Texas
89
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Mesquite is 23% cheaper than Carrollton.

$1,407/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↑ 19%
$71,843/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↑ 38%
$226,500 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$353,600 ↑ 56%
$1,383/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↑ 22%
148,848
Population
132,741

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
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesquite, TX and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $267/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $3,204/year.

Median household income is $27,272/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesquite is $226,500 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesquite vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Mesquite or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 116 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesquite and Carrollton?
Median rent in Mesquite is $1,407/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $267/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesquite or Carrollton?
Median household income is $71,843 in Mesquite and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $27,272/year higher in Carrollton.
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 Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,407/mo, while Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with rent of $1,674/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesquite details → View Carrollton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesquite and Carrollton

Mesquite vs. Pasadena Mesquite vs. Pomona Mesquite vs. Naperville Mesquite vs. Bridgeport Mesquite vs. Surprise Mesquite vs. Rockford Carrollton vs. New Haven Carrollton vs. Santa Clara Carrollton vs. Sterling Heights Carrollton vs. Fargo Carrollton vs. Coral Springs Carrollton vs. Norman