Cost of Living: Mesquite, TX vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Mesquite

Texas
89
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Mesquite and Elgin have a similar cost of living.

$1,407/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 10%
$71,843/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 23%
$226,500 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 11%
$1,383/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 9%
148,848
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesquite, TX and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $147/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $1,764/year.

Median household income is $16,473/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesquite is $226,500 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesquite vs Elgin — common questions

Is Mesquite or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesquite and Elgin?
Median rent in Mesquite is $1,407/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $147/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesquite or Elgin?
Median household income is $71,843 in Mesquite and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $16,473/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Illinois?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Mesquite or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,407/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesquite details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesquite and Elgin

Mesquite vs. Pasadena Mesquite vs. Pomona Mesquite vs. Naperville Mesquite vs. Bridgeport Mesquite vs. Surprise Mesquite vs. Rockford Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont