Cost of Living: Mesquite, TX vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Mesquite

Texas
89
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Mesquite is 53% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,407/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 33%
$71,843/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 22%
$226,500 ↑ 73%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 42%
$1,383/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 33%
148,848
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesquite, TX and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $460/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $5,520/year.

Median household income is $15,941/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesquite is $226,500 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over Kansas's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesquite vs Topeka — common questions

Is Mesquite or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesquite and Topeka?
Median rent in Mesquite is $1,407/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $460/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesquite or Topeka?
Median household income is $71,843 in Mesquite and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $15,941/year higher in Mesquite.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Kansas?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Mesquite or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,407/mo, while Topeka has a cost index of 58 with rent of $947/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesquite details → View Topeka details →

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