A+
2%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
3%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Search Homes for Sale
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Mesquite Texas National
Cost of living10292100
Goods & Services10896100
Groceries10096100
Health care10894100
Housing9783100
Transportation8992100
Utilities111104100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Mesquite, TX

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Mesquite is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Mesquite is 102, which is 2% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

In Mesquite, daily expenses such as food, housing, goods and services, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Mesquite will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

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?

Is Mesquite affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Mesquite, the median home price is 13.4% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 21.9% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Mesquite boasting a median household income of $60,715, 9.7% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Mesquite?

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday goods and services, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Mesquite, the standard sales tax rate starts at 6.25%, and the income tax rates commence at 0%.

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Mesquite, is 2.8% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Mesquite cost of living data displayed above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index to provide a useful and reasonably accurate measure of living cost differences in urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, it compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services. These items have been meticulously selected to represent various consumer expenditure categories, in 6 categories. Weightings assigned to cost differentials draw from government survey data tracking spending patterns among professional and executive households. While the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

New Real Estate Listings in Mesquite Area
Search Homes for Sale in Mesquite, TX

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Mesquite is 10% higher than the Texas average
  • The cost of living in Mesquite is 2% higher than the national average
  • Mesquite housing is 3% 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

      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Mesquite?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Mesquite?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Mesquite poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$71,941$5,995$1,679$2,158
      Renters$44,981$3,748$1,049$1,350
      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 $71,941. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $1,679 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $44,981, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,049.

      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%

      Goods & Services

      Item Mesquite National avg. Difference
      Haircut $33.29$24.2637.2%
      Beauty Salon $65.85$45.5644.5%
      Toothpaste $3.57$3.703.6%
      Shampoo $1.30$1.281.3%
      Movie $14.60$12.1320.3%
      Bowling $24.53$18.0036.3%

      Groceries

      Item Mesquite National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.23$5.8410.4%
      Fried Chicken $1.74$1.5710.8%
      Milk $4.65$4.670.5%
      Potatoes $4.93$4.930.0%
      Pizza $11.30$12.096.5%
      Beer $10.93$10.415.0%

      Health Care

      Item Mesquite National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $143.73$125.6814.4%
      Doctor $140.69$135.783.6%
      Dentist $130.53$113.2915.2%
      Ibuprofen $10.62$10.650.3%
      Lipitor $499.87$468.606.7%

      Housing

      Item Mesquite National avg. Difference
      Home Price $160,000.00$184,700.0013.4%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,258.00$2,346.693.8%
      Apartment Rent $1,157.00$949.0021.9%

      Transportation

      Item Mesquite National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.09$3.4610.7%
      Tire Balancing $52.04$59.9213.2%

      Utilities

      Item Mesquite National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $219.02$193.9912.9%
      Phone $208.71$192.258.6%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Mesquite CDP, TX6298514.7%
      Wilmer, TX4,698909.9%
      Hutchins, TX5,804928.1%
      Balch Springs, TX25,123963.7%
      Seagoville, TX16,7261011.2%
      Mesquite, TX142,4291022.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Syracuse, NY142,553909.6%
      McAllen, TX142,5578613.7%
      Whitby, ON142,607n/a 
      Milton, ON142,128n/a 
      Pasadena, CA142,01719191.3%
      Mesquite, TX142,4291022.1%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.