Moving from Aurora, CO to Mesquite, TX
Relocating 783 mi from Aurora to Mesquite is a 14h 30m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
783 mi Β· 14h 30m by car Β· CO β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | CO β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 287, US 385, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | Denver, Lakewood, Arvada, Centennial, Thornton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Aurora | Mesquite | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 105.782 vs 103.09 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 2.5% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $463,081 to $262,121 moving to Mesquite.
YoY change: Aurora -4.3%, Mesquite -4.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Aurora | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 40.9" |
Expect 15.2Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHERRY CREEK DAM, CO US, FERRIS, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Aurora | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 390,201 | 148,848 |
| Median household income | $84,320 | $71,843 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.4% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.73 | 2.96 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 2.5% lower in Mesquite than Aurora.
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.
Moving between Colorado and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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.
Winter driving along this route
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (15.2Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Mesquite compared to Aurora?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $262,121 in Mesquite vs $463,081 in Aurora β a 43.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Mesquite, TX from Aurora, CO?
The driving distance is 783 mi and the route typically takes 14h 30m via US 287 and US 385. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Aurora vs Mesquite?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,843 in Mesquite vs $84,320 in Aurora β a 14.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Mesquite more expensive than Aurora?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Mesquite is 2.5% lower than Aurora (103.09 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Mesquite compare to Aurora?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Mesquite MSA vs $58,490 in the Aurora MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 1,590,330 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Aurora to Mesquite?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 783 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Aurora.
City profiles: Aurora, CO Β· Mesquite, TX.