Cost of Living: Mesquite, TX vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Mesquite

Texas
89
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Mesquite is 11% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,407/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 18%
$71,843/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 23%
$226,500 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$243,500 ↑ 8%
$1,383/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 15%
148,848
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesquite, TX and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $249/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $2,988/year.

Median household income is $16,190/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesquite is $226,500 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over South Carolina's 6.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesquite vs Columbia — common questions

Is Mesquite or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesquite and Columbia?
Median rent in Mesquite is $1,407/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $249/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesquite or Columbia?
Median household income is $71,843 in Mesquite and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $16,190/year higher in Mesquite.
How do taxes compare between Texas and South Carolina?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Mesquite or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,407/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesquite details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

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