Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Mesquite, TX (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Tampa is 27% more expensive than Mesquite.

$1,567/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 10%
$71,302/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$71,843/yr ≈ Same
$375,300 ↑ 66%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 40%
$1,553/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 11%
393,389
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $160/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $1,920/year.

Median household income is $541/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Tampa or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Mesquite?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $160/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Mesquite?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $541/year higher in Mesquite.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Texas?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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 Tampa details → View Mesquite details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tampa and Mesquite

Tampa vs. Arlington Tampa vs. Aurora Tampa vs. Wichita Tampa vs. New Orleans Tampa vs. Bakersfield Tampa vs. Cleveland Mesquite vs. Pasadena Mesquite vs. Pomona Mesquite vs. Naperville Mesquite vs. Bridgeport Mesquite vs. Surprise Mesquite vs. Rockford