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

Mesquite

Texas
89
VS

Denton

Texas
100

Mesquite is 11% cheaper than Denton.

$1,407/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,344/mo ↓ 4%
$71,843/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$73,719/yr ↑ 3%
$226,500 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$325,700 ↑ 44%
$1,383/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,461/mo ↑ 6%
148,848
Population
146,987

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
21.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesquite, TX and Denton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $63/month cheaper in Denton, saving renters about $756/year.

Median household income is $1,876/year higher in Denton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesquite is $226,500 compared to $325,700 in Denton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesquite vs Denton — common questions

Is Mesquite or Denton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesquite and Denton?
Median rent in Mesquite is $1,407/month and in Denton it's $1,344/month — a difference of $63/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesquite or Denton?
Median household income is $71,843 in Mesquite and $73,719 in Denton. Median household income is $1,876/year higher in Denton.
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 Denton?
It depends on your priorities. Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,407/mo, while Denton has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,344/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesquite details → View Denton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesquite and Denton

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