Cost of Living: Mesquite, TX vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Mesquite

Texas
89
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Mesquite is 16% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,407/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 24%
$71,843/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 14%
$226,500 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 11%
$1,383/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 24%
148,848
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesquite, TX and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $342/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $4,104/year.

Median household income is $10,389/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesquite is $226,500 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesquite vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Mesquite or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesquite and Lafayette?
Median rent in Mesquite is $1,407/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $342/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesquite or Lafayette?
Median household income is $71,843 in Mesquite and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $10,389/year higher in Mesquite.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Louisiana?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Mesquite or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,407/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesquite details → View Lafayette details →

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