Mariela Lovo OlREALTOR® Español
(214) 952-7518Coldwell Banker Realty

Dallas County (part in Kaufman County) · TX

Cost of Living in Mesquite, TX

By Mariela Lovo Ol, REALTOR® · Updated

The cost of living in Mesquite, TX is shaped by housing, property taxes, insurance, utilities and the drive to work. Texas has no state income tax, so the property tax bill deserves careful attention. Live home prices appear on this page; the rest is below.

What does housing cost in Mesquite?

Prices change often, so use the live market figures and listings on this page. Established homes may need roof, sewer or HVAC work, so keep a repair cushion.

Newer homes may carry HOA dues and, inside a public improvement district, a yearly PID assessment. Ask for both amounts before you make an offer.

How much are property taxes in Mesquite?

For a Dallas County home in Mesquite ISD, the 2025 rates for the county, hospital district, college district, city and school district add up to about $2.35 per $100 of taxable value before exemptions.

Homes on the Kaufman County side have different county units. The Mesquite property tax page lists each rate and the exemptions.

What should you budget for home insurance?

Hail is a frequent cause of roof claims in North Texas. Many policies carry a separate wind and hail deductible, which may be a percentage of the insured value.

Ask each insurer for that deductible in dollars and about coverage for the roof, and get quotes during your option period.

Who provides utilities in Mesquite?

Water and sewer accounts go through the City of Mesquite Utility Billing Office. The city's Residential Solid Waste Department handles trash and recycling.

Oncor operates the power lines in Mesquite, and you choose a retail electric provider on Power to Choose. Compare the price at your usage, the contract length and any cancellation fee.

What does getting around Mesquite cost?

Plan on a car. The Census puts the average commute at 32.1 minutes, and I-30, I-635, I-20 and US 80 all cross the city. If your route uses an NTTA toll road, ZipCash costs twice the TollTag rate.

Mesquite is not a DART member, but STAR Transit's STARNow on-demand rides connect to DART's Lawnview Station and Lake Ray Hubbard Transit Center.

What are sales tax and income tax in Mesquite?

Mesquite's combined sales tax rate is 8.25%, the Texas maximum: 6.25% for the state plus 2% local. Texas has no state income tax.

To test your budget, use the affordability calculator, compare areas on the Mesquite homes for sale page, and review Texas down payment assistance.

Common questions

What is the property tax rate in Mesquite, TX?

For a Dallas County home in Mesquite ISD, 2025 rates add up to about $2.35 per $100 of taxable value before exemptions. Kaufman County addresses and homes in a PID will differ, so check the appraisal record for each address.

What is the sales tax in Mesquite?

Mesquite's combined sales tax rate is 8.25%. That is the 6.25% state rate plus 2% local, the most Texas allows.

Can I choose my electric company in Mesquite?

Yes. Oncor runs the lines, and you pick a retail electric provider on Power to Choose, the Public Utility Commission of Texas comparison site. Compare price at your usage, contract length and fees.

Does Mesquite have public transit?

Mesquite is not a DART member, but STAR Transit serves the city. STARNow on-demand rides connect to DART's Lawnview Station and Lake Ray Hubbard Transit Center.

Sources

  1. QuickFacts: Mesquite city, Texas (with Arlington, Garland, Grand Prairie, Duncanville), U.S. Census Bureau (read 2026-09-24)
  2. Property Tax Exemptions, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  3. Property Tax Protests and Appeals, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  4. Dallas Central Appraisal District (homestead filing, property search, uFILE protest), Dallas Central Appraisal District (read 2026-09-24)
  5. Choosing an Electric Plan, Public Utility Commission of Texas (read 2026-09-24)
  6. Clear as MUD, Texas Real Estate Research Center, Texas A&M University (read 2026-09-24)
  7. Don't Piddle Around with PID Notices, Texas Real Estate Research Center, Texas A&M University (read 2026-09-24)
  8. Mesquite, Texas, Wikipedia (read 2026-09-24)
  9. Public Transportation, City of Mesquite (read 2026-09-24)
  10. Parks & Recreation, City of Mesquite (read 2026-09-24)
  11. Solid Waste and Recycling, City of Mesquite (read 2026-09-24)
  12. Residents, City of Mesquite (read 2026-09-24)
  13. Events & Culture, City of Mesquite (read 2026-09-24)
  14. Attendance Zones, Mesquite Independent School District (read 2026-09-24)
  15. Mesquite ISD home page, Mesquite Independent School District (read 2026-09-24)
  16. Texas School Report Cards, Texas Education Agency (read 2026-09-24)
  17. 2025 Ad Valorem Tax Rates for Dallas County (revised November 5, 2025), Dallas Central Appraisal District (read 2026-09-24)
  18. Sales and Use Tax, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  19. City Sales and Use Tax Rates, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  20. Texas is open for small business (Fiscal Notes), Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  21. Valuing Property (10 percent homestead appraisal limit), Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  22. 2026 Statewide Multi-Year Ratings Spreadsheet, Texas Education Agency (read 2026-09-24)
  23. A–F Accountability, Texas Education Agency (read 2026-09-24)
  24. Health and Safety Code Chapter 757. Pool Yard Enclosures, Texas Legislature (read 2026-09-24)
  25. What to know about deductibles, Texas Department of Insurance (read 2026-09-24)
  26. North Texas Tollway Authority, North Texas Tollway Authority (read 2026-09-24)
  27. 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance Program, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (read 2026-09-24)
  28. HomeStyle Renovation mortgage, Fannie Mae (read 2026-09-24)
  29. Permit Requirements & Information, City of Mesquite Building Inspection (read 2026-09-24)
  30. Swimming Pools Plan Review (handout, revised 06-23-23), City of Mesquite Building Inspection (read 2026-09-24)
  31. Permit Process, City of Mesquite (read 2026-09-24)
  32. Public Improvement Districts (PIDs), City of Mesquite (read 2026-09-24)
  33. Solterra PID, City of Mesquite (read 2026-09-24)

Last reviewed: 2026-09-24. Descriptions cover places and amenities, not the people who live there. We are committed to the Fair Housing Act.