Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Mesquite, TX (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Raleigh is 24% more expensive than Mesquite.

$1,468/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 4%
$82,424/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 13%
$377,800 ↑ 67%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 40%
$1,487/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 7%
470,763
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $61/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $732/year.

Median household income is $10,581/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Raleigh or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Mesquite?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $61/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Mesquite?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $10,581/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Mesquite details →

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