Cost of Living: Mesquite, TX vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Mesquite

Texas
89
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Mesquite is 37% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,407/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 34%
$71,843/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 6%
$226,500 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 22%
$1,383/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 22%
148,848
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesquite, TX and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $482/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $5,784/year.

Median household income is $3,984/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesquite is $226,500 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over Iowa's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesquite vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Mesquite or Cedar Rapids cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesquite and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Mesquite is $1,407/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $482/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesquite or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $71,843 in Mesquite and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $3,984/year higher in Mesquite.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Iowa?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Mesquite or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,407/mo, while Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with rent of $925/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesquite details → View Cedar Rapids details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesquite and Cedar Rapids

Mesquite vs. Pasadena Mesquite vs. Pomona Mesquite vs. Naperville Mesquite vs. Bridgeport Mesquite vs. Surprise Mesquite vs. Rockford Cedar Rapids vs. Hampton Cedar Rapids vs. Dayton Cedar Rapids vs. West Valley City Cedar Rapids vs. Pasadena Cedar Rapids vs. Columbia Cedar Rapids vs. Miramar