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

Mesquite

Texas
89
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Mesquite is 24% more expensive than Waco.

$1,407/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 22%
$71,843/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 28%
$226,500 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 12%
$1,383/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 21%
148,848
Population
141,925

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesquite, TX and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $309/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $3,708/year.

Median household income is $20,375/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesquite is $226,500 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesquite vs Waco — common questions

Is Mesquite or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesquite and Waco?
Median rent in Mesquite is $1,407/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $309/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesquite or Waco?
Median household income is $71,843 in Mesquite and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $20,375/year higher in Mesquite.
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 Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,407/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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