Moving from Mesquite, TX to Chicago, IL
The drive from Mesquite, TX to Chicago, IL runs 957 mi β about 17h 2m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
957 mi Β· 17h 2m by car Β· IL β MO β AR β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO β AR β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 57, I 30, US 70 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Joliet, Memphis, Little Rock, Mckinney |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mesquite | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Mesquite (103.09) and Chicago (103.595) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Chicago: 0.5% above Mesquite on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Mesquite -4.6%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mesquite | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.9" | β |
Major climate step-down: 15.2Β°F cooler annual average in Chicago vs Mesquite.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FERRIS, TX US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mesquite | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 148,848 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $71,843 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.5% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.36 |
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 Chicago MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (15.2Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Chicago more expensive than Mesquite?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 0.5% higher than Mesquite (103.595 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Chicago compared to Mesquite?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $262,121 in Mesquite β a 21.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Mesquite vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $71,843 in Mesquite β a 4.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Mesquite to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 957 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Chicago compare to Mesquite?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $48,440 in the Mesquite MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Chicago, IL from Mesquite, TX?
The driving distance is 957 mi and the route typically takes 17h 2m via I 57 and I 30. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Mesquite.
City profiles: Mesquite, TX Β· Chicago, IL.