Cost of Living: Mesquite, TX vs College Station, TX (2026)

Mesquite

Texas
89
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Mesquite and College Station have a similar cost of living.

$1,407/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 17%
$71,843/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 28%
$226,500 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 44%
$1,383/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 10%
148,848
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesquite, TX and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $239/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $2,868/year.

Median household income is $20,067/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesquite is $226,500 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesquite vs College Station — common questions

Is Mesquite or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesquite and College Station?
Median rent in Mesquite is $1,407/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $239/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesquite or College Station?
Median household income is $71,843 in Mesquite and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $20,067/year higher in Mesquite.
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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,407/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesquite details → View College Station details →

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