Is Mesquite expensive to live in?

Mesquite is considered affordable, with a cost index of 94 compared to the US average of 100. Living here costs about 6% less than the national average. The median monthly rent is $1,397, and the median household income is $37,989.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Mesquite?

Using the standard 30% rent-to-income rule, you need at least $55,880/year to afford median rent in Mesquite. The median household income is $37,989, giving a rent-to-income ratio of 44%. Financial experts recommend keeping rent below 30% of gross income.

What is the average rent in Mesquite?

The median rent in Mesquite is $1,397 per month. Housing costs score 86 against the national average of 100, meaning housing is 14% cheaper than the US average.

How does Mesquite compare to the national average cost of living?

Mesquite's overall cost index is 94 vs the national average of 100. Breaking it down: housing (86), food & groceries (92), transportation (90), utilities (87), and healthcare (97). Mesquite is below average in most categories, making it a strong value destination.

Is Mesquite, Texas a good place to live?

Mesquite has a population of 147,317 and a median household income of $37,989. With a cost index of 94, it offers strong affordability relative to the national average. The rent-to-income ratio is 44%, which is above the recommended 30% threshold.

What are the cheapest cities near Mesquite?

To find the most affordable cities near Mesquite in Texas, use the Livably city comparison tool or browse the Texas state page. You can compare rent, cost index, income, and affordability side by side across all tracked cities.

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Mesquite

Monthly city intelligence across housing costs, tax load, and affordability signals to help you plan your next move with clearer numbers.

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Cost index: 94

Median rent: $1,397

Median income: $37,989

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About Mesquite

Living in Mesquite, Texas

Mesquite, Texas is a growing city with a population of approximately 147,317. The overall cost of living index sits at 94, which is below the national average of 100. This means everyday expenses — housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare — are roughly 6% less expensive compared to the typical U.S. city.

Housing is the largest cost driver in Mesquite. Median rent is $1,397 per month, while the median home price is $259,376. At a median household income of $37,989, rent consumes roughly 44% of gross income, which places a heavy burden on household budgets. The housing sub-index of 86 sits close to the national norm.

Beyond housing, healthcare is the most elevated non-shelter expense in Mesquite with a sub-index of 97, while utilities is comparatively more affordable at 87. State-level taxes also shape the true cost of living: Texas applies a 0.00% income tax rate, and property tax averages 1.60% of assessed home value. The combined sales tax rate is 8.19%. Local income tax may apply in some municipalities.

Over the past twelve months, the cost of living in Mesquite has remained relatively stable. Among the 40 tracked cities in Texas, Mesquite ranks #13 from most to least affordable. Whether you're evaluating a job offer, planning a relocation, or comparing salary purchasing power, these numbers give a grounded, data-backed view of what life in Mesquite actually costs.

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