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

Mesquite

Texas
89
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Mesquite is 30% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,407/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 30%
$71,843/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 34%
$226,500 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 79%
$1,383/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 30%
148,848
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesquite, TX and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $418/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $5,016/year.

Median household income is $24,414/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesquite is $226,500 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesquite vs Richardson — common questions

Is Mesquite or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesquite and Richardson?
Median rent in Mesquite is $1,407/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $418/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesquite or Richardson?
Median household income is $71,843 in Mesquite and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $24,414/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,407/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesquite details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

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Mesquite vs. Pasadena Mesquite vs. Pomona Mesquite vs. Naperville Mesquite vs. Bridgeport Mesquite vs. Surprise Mesquite vs. Rockford Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater