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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Tempe is 35% more expensive than Mesquite.

$1,623/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 13%
$77,643/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 7%
$421,900 ↑ 86%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 46%
$1,554/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 11%
186,419
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $216/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $2,592/year.

Median household income is $5,800/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 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

Tempe vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Tempe or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Mesquite?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $216/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Mesquite?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $5,800/year higher in Tempe.
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 Tempe or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Mesquite details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tempe and Mesquite

Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News Mesquite vs. Pasadena Mesquite vs. Pomona Mesquite vs. Naperville Mesquite vs. Bridgeport Mesquite vs. Surprise Mesquite vs. Rockford