Moving from Abilene, TX to Mesquite, TX
Relocating between Abilene, TX and Mesquite, TX is a 199 mi drive β 3h 35m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
199 mi Β· 3h 35m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, I 635, I 20 BUS |
| Major cities en route | Plano, Garland, Richardson, Allen, Dallas |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Abilene | Mesquite | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.364 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.162 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.791 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 14.1% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 14.1% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $210,016 to $262,121 moving to Mesquite.
YoY change: Abilene +5.2%, Mesquite -4.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Abilene | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 25.2" | 40.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Abilene (65.9Β°F) and Mesquite (66.0Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ABILENE RGNL AP, TX US, FERRIS, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Abilene | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,130 | 148,848 |
| Median household income | $62,720 | $71,843 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.6% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.96 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 14.1% higher in Mesquite than Abilene.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Mesquite MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Mesquite average 96Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Abilene to Mesquite?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 199 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Mesquite compared to Abilene?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $262,121 in Mesquite vs $210,016 in Abilene β a 24.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Mesquite, TX from Abilene, TX?
The driving distance is 199 mi and the route typically takes 3h 35m via I 20 and I 635. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Mesquite compare to Abilene?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Mesquite MSA vs $38,680 in the Abilene MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 72,780 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Mesquite more expensive than Abilene?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Mesquite is 14.1% higher than Abilene (103.09 vs 90.364, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Abilene vs Mesquite?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,843 in Mesquite vs $62,720 in Abilene β a 14.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Abilene.
City profiles: Abilene, TX Β· Mesquite, TX.