Cost of Living: San Diego, CA vs Mesquite, TX (2026)

San Diego

California
197
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

San Diego is 121% more expensive than Mesquite.

$2,223/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 37%
$104,321/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 31%
$848,500 ↑ 275%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 73%
$2,308/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 40%
1,385,061
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $816/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $9,792/year.

Median household income is $32,478/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Mesquite — common questions

Is San Diego or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Mesquite?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $816/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Mesquite?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $32,478/year higher in San Diego.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to San Diego or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Mesquite details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Diego and Mesquite

San Diego vs. San Antonio San Diego vs. Dallas San Diego vs. Philadelphia San Diego vs. San Jose San Diego vs. Phoenix San Diego vs. Austin Mesquite vs. Pasadena Mesquite vs. Pomona Mesquite vs. Naperville Mesquite vs. Bridgeport Mesquite vs. Surprise Mesquite vs. Rockford