Moving from Lincoln, NE to Mesquite, TX
Relocating 652 mi from Lincoln to Mesquite is a 11h 36m drive through 4 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.
652 mi Β· 11h 36m by car Β· NE β KS β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β KS β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 81, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Wichita, Oklahoma City, Norman, Denton, Frisco |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lincoln | Mesquite | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.581 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.817 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.101 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.208 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 12.6% above Lincoln β 91.581 β 103.09 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 12.6% under Lincoln β $291,062 β $262,121 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Lincoln +4.2%, Mesquite -4.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lincoln | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 29.3" | 40.9" |
Expect 13.7Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US, FERRIS, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lincoln | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 291,932 | 148,848 |
| Median household income | $69,991 | $71,843 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.4% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.96 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
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 Nebraska 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.
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 (13.7Β°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 far is Mesquite, TX from Lincoln, NE?
The driving distance is 652 mi and the route typically takes 11h 36m via I 35 and US 81. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Mesquite compare to Lincoln?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Mesquite MSA vs $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 179,040 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Mesquite compared to Lincoln?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $262,121 in Mesquite vs $291,062 in Lincoln β a 9.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Mesquite more expensive than Lincoln?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Mesquite is 12.6% higher than Lincoln (103.09 vs 91.581, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Lincoln to Mesquite?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 652 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Lincoln vs Mesquite?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,843 in Mesquite vs $69,991 in Lincoln β a 2.6% 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 Lincoln.
City profiles: Lincoln, NE Β· Mesquite, TX.