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

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Plano is 48% more expensive than Mesquite.

$1,792/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 21%
$108,649/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 34%
$440,600 ↑ 95%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 49%
$1,829/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 24%
287,339
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $385/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $4,620/year.

Median household income is $36,806/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Plano or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Mesquite?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $385/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Mesquite?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $36,806/year higher in Plano.
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 Plano or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Mesquite details →

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