Moving from Mesquite, TX to Dallas, TX
The drive from Mesquite to Dallas covers 13 mi in about 20 min. Local moves still matter β school districts, tax jurisdictions, and housing micromarkets can all flip across short distances. This page pulls the latest federal and Zillow figures into a single side-by-side comparison to make those differences visible.
13 mi Β· 20 min by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 80, I 30, US 67 |
| Major cities en route | Frisco, Carrollton, Lewisville, Irving, Arlington |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mesquite | Dallas | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Dallas and Mesquite are close on the overall BEA RPP (103.09 vs 103.09); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 0.0% higher in Dallas than Mesquite as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Mesquite -4.6%, Dallas -3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mesquite | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 68Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 97Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 1.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.9" | 38.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 66.0Β°F vs 68.0Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Expect 1.7 in of snow annually at the destination β manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FERRIS, TX US, DALLAS LOVE FLD, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mesquite | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 148,848 | 1,299,553 |
| Median household income | $71,843 | $67,760 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.5% | 22.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.46 |
Income steps down 0.0%: $71,843 in Mesquite vs $67,760 in Dallas.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Dallas 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 Dallas average 97Β°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
How does household income compare in Mesquite vs Dallas?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,760 in Dallas vs $71,843 in Mesquite β a 5.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Mesquite to Dallas?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 13 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 Dallas compare to Mesquite?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Dallas MSA vs $48,440 in the Mesquite MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Dallas compared to Mesquite?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,421 in Dallas vs $262,121 in Mesquite β a 18.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Dallas, TX from Mesquite, TX?
The driving distance is 13 mi and the route typically takes 20 min via US 80 and I 30. The trip crosses 1 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· Dallas, TX.