Cost of Living: Mesquite, TX vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

Mesquite

Texas
89
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Mesquite is 36% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,407/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 27%
$71,843/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 97%
$226,500 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 112%
$1,383/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 45%
148,848
Population
116,916

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
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesquite, TX and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $385/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $4,620/year.

Median household income is $69,510/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesquite is $226,500 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesquite vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Mesquite or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesquite and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Mesquite is $1,407/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $385/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesquite or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $71,843 in Mesquite and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $69,510/year higher in The Woodlands.
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 The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,407/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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