Cost of Living: Mesquite, TX vs Downey, CA (2026)

Mesquite

Texas
89
VS

Downey

California
169

Mesquite is 47% cheaper than Downey.

$1,407/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 34%
$71,843/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 22%
$226,500 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 222%
$1,383/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 44%
148,848
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesquite, TX and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $485/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $5,820/year.

Median household income is $15,557/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesquite is $226,500 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesquite vs Downey — common questions

Is Mesquite or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesquite and Downey?
Median rent in Mesquite is $1,407/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $485/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesquite or Downey?
Median household income is $71,843 in Mesquite and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $15,557/year higher in Downey.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Mesquite or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,407/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesquite details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesquite and Downey

Mesquite vs. Pasadena Mesquite vs. Pomona Mesquite vs. Naperville Mesquite vs. Bridgeport Mesquite vs. Surprise Mesquite vs. Rockford Downey vs. Peoria Downey vs. Murrieta Downey vs. Pompano Beach Downey vs. Pueblo Downey vs. Lansing Downey vs. Miami Gardens