Cost of Living: Richmond, VA vs Mesquite, TX (2026)

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Richmond is 10% more expensive than Mesquite.

$1,314/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 7%
$62,671/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↑ 15%
$328,100 ↑ 45%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 31%
$1,374/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ≈ Same
227,595
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $93/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $1,116/year.

Median household income is $9,172/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Richmond or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Mesquite?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $93/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Mesquite?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $9,172/year higher in Mesquite.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Texas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% 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 Richmond or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Mesquite details →

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