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

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Salem is 18% more expensive than Mesquite.

$1,323/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 6%
$71,900/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$71,843/yr ≈ Same
$382,400 ↑ 69%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 41%
$1,440/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 4%
176,666
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $84/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $1,008/year.

Median household income is $57/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 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

Salem vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Salem or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Mesquite?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $84/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Mesquite?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $57/year higher in Salem.
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 Salem or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/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 Salem details → View Mesquite details →

More Comparisons

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