Santa Ana, CA vs Mesquite, TX: 163 vs 89

$1,975/mo ↑ 40%

Median Rent

$1,407/mo ↓ 29%

$88,354/yr ↑ 23%

Median Income

$71,843/yr ↓ 19%

$657,800 ↑ 190%

Home Value

$226,500 ↓ 66%

$1,965/mo ↑ 42%

Owner Costs

$1,383/mo ↓ 30%

311,639

Population

148,848

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $568/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $6,816/year.

Median household income is $16,511/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 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

Santa Ana vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Mesquite cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Mesquite?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $568/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Mesquite?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $16,511/year higher in Santa Ana.

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 Santa Ana or Mesquite?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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.

Cost of Living: Santa Ana, CA vs Mesquite, TX (2026)

Santa Ana

Mesquite

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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