Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Mesquite, TX (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Tacoma is 42% more expensive than Mesquite.

$1,597/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 12%
$83,857/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 14%
$454,600 ↑ 101%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 50%
$1,747/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 21%
220,482
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $190/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $2,280/year.

Median household income is $12,014/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Tacoma 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 Tacoma and Mesquite?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $190/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Mesquite?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $12,014/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Texas?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Mesquite details →

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