Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Mesquite, TX (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Wichita is 27% cheaper than Mesquite.

$960/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 47%
$63,072/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↑ 14%
$179,500 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$226,500 ↑ 26%
$994/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↑ 39%
396,488
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $447/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $5,364/year.

Median household income is $8,771/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over Kansas's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Wichita or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Mesquite?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $447/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Mesquite?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $8,771/year higher in Mesquite.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Texas?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/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 Wichita details → View Mesquite details →

More Comparisons

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