Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Mesquite, TX (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Portland is 55% more expensive than Mesquite.

$1,596/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 12%
$88,792/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 19%
$557,600 ↑ 146%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 59%
$1,771/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 22%
642,715
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $189/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $2,268/year.

Median household income is $16,949/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over Oregon's 9.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Portland or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Mesquite?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $189/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Mesquite?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $16,949/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Texas?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Mesquite details →

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