Cost of Living: Mesquite, TX vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Mesquite

Texas
89
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Mesquite is 4% cheaper than Rochester.

$1,407/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 6%
$71,843/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 22%
$226,500 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 27%
$1,383/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 4%
148,848
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesquite, TX and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $91/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $1,092/year.

Median household income is $15,924/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesquite is $226,500 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over Minnesota's 9.85% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesquite vs Rochester — common questions

Is Mesquite or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesquite and Rochester?
Median rent in Mesquite is $1,407/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $91/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesquite or Rochester?
Median household income is $71,843 in Mesquite and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $15,924/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Minnesota?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Mesquite or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,407/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesquite details → View Rochester details →

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