Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Mesquite, TX (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Worcester is 17% more expensive than Mesquite.

$1,415/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ≈ Same
$67,544/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↑ 6%
$339,500 ↑ 50%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 33%
$1,521/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 9%
205,501
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,299/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Mesquite residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Worcester or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Mesquite?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $8/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Mesquite?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $4,299/year higher in Mesquite.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Texas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Mesquite details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and Mesquite

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Mesquite vs. Pasadena Mesquite vs. Pomona Mesquite vs. Naperville Mesquite vs. Bridgeport Mesquite vs. Surprise Mesquite vs. Rockford