Cost of Living: Mesquite, TX vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Mesquite

Texas
89
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Mesquite is 35% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,407/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 28%
$71,843/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 16%
$226,500 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 23%
$1,383/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 28%
148,848
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesquite, TX and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $390/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $4,680/year.

Median household income is $11,678/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesquite is $226,500 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesquite vs McAllen — common questions

Is Mesquite or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesquite and McAllen?
Median rent in Mesquite is $1,407/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $390/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesquite or McAllen?
Median household income is $71,843 in Mesquite and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $11,678/year higher in Mesquite.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Mesquite or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,407/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesquite details → View McAllen details →

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