Cost of Living: Mesquite, TX vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Mesquite

Texas
89
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Mesquite is 32% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,407/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 22%
$71,843/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 37%
$226,500 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 114%
$1,383/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 16%
148,848
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesquite, TX and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $307/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $3,684/year.

Median household income is $26,843/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesquite is $226,500 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over Idaho's 5.8% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesquite vs Meridian — common questions

Is Mesquite or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesquite and Meridian?
Median rent in Mesquite is $1,407/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $307/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesquite or Meridian?
Median household income is $71,843 in Mesquite and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $26,843/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Idaho?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Mesquite or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,407/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesquite details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesquite and Meridian

Mesquite vs. Pasadena Mesquite vs. Pomona Mesquite vs. Naperville Mesquite vs. Bridgeport Mesquite vs. Surprise Mesquite vs. Rockford Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord