Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Mesquite, TX (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Scottsdale is 85% more expensive than Mesquite.

$1,910/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 26%
$107,372/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 33%
$709,900 ↑ 213%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 68%
$1,824/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 24%
242,169
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $503/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $6,036/year.

Median household income is $35,529/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Mesquite?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $503/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Mesquite?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $35,529/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Mesquite details →

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