Cost of Living: Mesquite, TX vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Mesquite

Texas
89
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Mesquite is 31% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,407/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 33%
$71,843/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 23%
$226,500 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 4%
$1,383/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 30%
148,848
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesquite, TX and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $461/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $5,532/year.

Median household income is $16,667/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesquite is $226,500 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over New Mexico's 5.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesquite vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Mesquite or Las Cruces cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Las Cruces is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesquite and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Mesquite is $1,407/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $461/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesquite or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $71,843 in Mesquite and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $16,667/year higher in Mesquite.
How do taxes compare between Texas and New Mexico?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Mesquite or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,407/mo, while Las Cruces has a cost index of 68 with rent of $946/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesquite details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesquite and Las Cruces

Mesquite vs. Pasadena Mesquite vs. Pomona Mesquite vs. Naperville Mesquite vs. Bridgeport Mesquite vs. Surprise Mesquite vs. Rockford Las Cruces vs. Gresham Las Cruces vs. Lansing Las Cruces vs. Beaumont Las Cruces vs. Pompano Beach Las Cruces vs. Springfield Las Cruces vs. Peoria