Cost of Living: Mesquite, TX vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Mesquite

Texas
89
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Mesquite is 21% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,407/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 4%
$71,843/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 11%
$226,500 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 74%
$1,383/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 12%
148,848
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesquite, TX and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $56/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $672/year.

Median household income is $7,969/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesquite is $226,500 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesquite vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Mesquite or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesquite and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Mesquite is $1,407/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $56/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesquite or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $71,843 in Mesquite and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $7,969/year higher in Mesquite.
How do taxes compare between Texas and New Jersey?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Mesquite or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,407/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesquite and Elizabeth

Mesquite vs. Pasadena Mesquite vs. Pomona Mesquite vs. Naperville Mesquite vs. Bridgeport Mesquite vs. Surprise Mesquite vs. Rockford Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland