Cost of Living: Mesquite, TX vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Mesquite

Texas
89
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Mesquite is 9% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,407/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 8%
$71,843/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 15%
$226,500 ↓ 1%
Home Value
$229,100 ↑ 1%
$1,383/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 17%
148,848
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesquite, TX and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $108/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $1,296/year.

Median household income is $10,896/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesquite is $226,500 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesquite vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Mesquite or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesquite and Lakeland?
Median rent in Mesquite is $1,407/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $108/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesquite or Lakeland?
Median household income is $71,843 in Mesquite and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $10,896/year higher in Mesquite.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Florida?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Mesquite or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,407/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesquite details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesquite and Lakeland

Mesquite vs. Pasadena Mesquite vs. Pomona Mesquite vs. Naperville Mesquite vs. Bridgeport Mesquite vs. Surprise Mesquite vs. Rockford Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon