Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Mesquite, TX (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Tulsa is 25% cheaper than Mesquite.

$998/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 41%
$58,407/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↑ 23%
$189,600 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$226,500 ↑ 19%
$1,027/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↑ 35%
412,322
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
0%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.9%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $409/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $4,908/year.

Median household income is $13,436/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over Oklahoma's 4.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Tulsa or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Mesquite?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $409/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Mesquite?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $13,436/year higher in Mesquite.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Texas?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/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 Tulsa details → View Mesquite details →

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