Cost of Living: Ontario, CA vs Mesquite, TX (2026)

Ontario

California
152
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Ontario is 71% more expensive than Mesquite.

$1,916/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 27%
$82,806/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 13%
$568,000 ↑ 151%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 60%
$1,967/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 30%
178,347
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $509/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $6,108/year.

Median household income is $10,963/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Ontario or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Mesquite?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $509/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Mesquite?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $10,963/year higher in Ontario.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Ontario or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Mesquite details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Mesquite

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Mesquite vs. Pasadena Mesquite vs. Pomona Mesquite vs. Naperville Mesquite vs. Bridgeport Mesquite vs. Surprise Mesquite vs. Rockford