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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Santa Clarita is 121% more expensive than Mesquite.

$2,486/mo ↑ 77%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 43%
$119,926/yr ↑ 67%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 40%
$721,000 ↑ 218%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 69%
$2,649/mo ↑ 92%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 48%
229,021
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,079/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $12,948/year.

Median household income is $48,083/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 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 Clarita vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita and Mesquite?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $1,079/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Mesquite?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $48,083/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Santa Clarita details → View Mesquite details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clarita and Mesquite

Santa Clarita vs. Spokane Santa Clarita vs. Fremont Santa Clarita vs. Enterprise Santa Clarita vs. Richmond Santa Clarita vs. Norfolk Santa Clarita vs. Baton Rouge Mesquite vs. Pasadena Mesquite vs. Pomona Mesquite vs. Naperville Mesquite vs. Bridgeport Mesquite vs. Surprise Mesquite vs. Rockford