Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Mesquite, TX (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Newark is 12% more expensive than Mesquite.

$1,330/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 6%
$48,416/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↑ 48%
$337,800 ↑ 49%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 33%
$1,419/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 3%
307,188
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $77/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $924/year.

Median household income is $23,427/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Newark or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Mesquite?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $77/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Mesquite?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $23,427/year higher in Mesquite.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Texas?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Mesquite details →

More Comparisons

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