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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Surprise is 37% more expensive than Mesquite.

$1,917/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 27%
$93,371/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 23%
$396,000 ↑ 75%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 43%
$1,587/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 13%
149,519
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $510/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $6,120/year.

Median household income is $21,528/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 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

Surprise vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Surprise or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Mesquite?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $510/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Mesquite?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $21,528/year higher in Surprise.
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 Surprise or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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.
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