Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs Mesquite, TX (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Montgomery is 28% cheaper than Mesquite.

$1,059/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 33%
$55,687/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↑ 29%
$148,500 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$226,500 ↑ 53%
$1,023/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↑ 35%
198,440
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $348/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $4,176/year.

Median household income is $16,156/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Montgomery or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Mesquite?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $348/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Mesquite?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $16,156/year higher in Mesquite.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Texas?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Mesquite details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Montgomery and Mesquite

Montgomery vs. Grand Prairie Montgomery vs. Grand Rapids Montgomery vs. Sunrise Manor Montgomery vs. Sioux Falls Montgomery vs. Birmingham Montgomery vs. Overland Park Mesquite vs. Pasadena Mesquite vs. Pomona Mesquite vs. Naperville Mesquite vs. Bridgeport Mesquite vs. Surprise Mesquite vs. Rockford