A+
2%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
2%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Mesquite Texas National
Cost of living9894100
Groceries9698100
Health care9698100
Housing9883100
Transportation9998100
Utilities104103100
Lifestyle & Entertainment10298100
Household Items9998100
Education & Childcare9398100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Mesquite, TX

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Mesquite? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Mesquite stands at 98, making it 2% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

The cost of living in Mesquite aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, household expenses, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Mesquite residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Mesquite?

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 19 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Mesquite. The feedback revealed that 53% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 47% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Mesquite Affordable?

Wondering if Mesquite is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Mesquite, for example, the median home price is 11.9% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 22% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Mesquite boasting a median household income of $90,096, which is 10.8% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Mesquite?

Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Mesquite, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 6.25%, and income tax rates kick off at 0%.

Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.

Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Mesquite, the transportation index is 0.6% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Mesquite shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Mesquite is 4% higher than the Texas average
  • The cost of living in Mesquite is 2% lower than the national average
  • Mesquite housing is 2% lower than the national average
  • Texas general sales tax is 22% higher than the national average
  • Texas state income tax is 100% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Mesquite

See all the best places to live around Mesquite

Compare Mesquite, TX Cost of Living

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      Cost of living index
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      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$107,596$8,966$2,510$3,228
      Renters$66,395$5,533$1,549$1,992
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Mesquite, TX, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Mesquite have a median income of $107,596. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,510 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $66,395, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,549.

      Texas Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Texas 6.25% 8.25%

      Texas Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Texas 0% 0%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Mesquite CDP, TX6478118.9%
      Wilmer, TX4,8368613.7%
      Hutchins, TX5,9628812.2%
      Balch Springs, TX25,952928.0%
      Seagoville, TX17,072973.1%
      Mesquite, TX148,020981.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Guelph, ON147,931n/a 
      Thornton, CO147,63313029.6%
      Savannah, GA148,994991.2%
      Paterson, NJ149,11812221.5%
      Lévis, QC149,331n/a 
      Mesquite, TX148,020981.8%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.