Cost of Living: Mesquite, TX vs Pasadena, CA (2026)

Mesquite

Texas
89
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Mesquite is 60% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,407/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 58%
$71,843/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 44%
$226,500 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 361%
$1,383/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 69%
148,848
Population
136,462

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesquite, TX and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $811/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $9,732/year.

Median household income is $31,935/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesquite is $226,500 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesquite vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Mesquite or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesquite and Pasadena?
Median rent in Mesquite is $1,407/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $811/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesquite or Pasadena?
Median household income is $71,843 in Mesquite and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $31,935/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Mesquite or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,407/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesquite details → View Pasadena details →

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