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

Mesquite

Texas
89
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Mesquite is 47% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,407/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 56%
$71,843/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 42%
$226,500 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 162%
$1,383/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 61%
148,848
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesquite, TX and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $784/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $9,408/year.

Median household income is $30,478/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesquite is $226,500 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesquite vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Mesquite or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesquite and Fairfield?
Median rent in Mesquite is $1,407/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $784/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesquite or Fairfield?
Median household income is $71,843 in Mesquite and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $30,478/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,407/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesquite details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesquite and Fairfield

Mesquite vs. Pasadena Mesquite vs. Pomona Mesquite vs. Naperville Mesquite vs. Bridgeport Mesquite vs. Surprise Mesquite vs. Rockford Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill