Moving from Mesquite, TX to Jackson, MS
Moving from Mesquite, TX to Jackson, MS covers 387 mi and about 7h 3m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
387 mi Β· 7h 3m by car Β· MS β LA β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | MS β LA β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 80, I 20, SPUR 557 |
| Major cities en route | Shreveport, Tyler, Garland, Richardson, Plano |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mesquite | Jackson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 89.048 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 78.137 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 96.219 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 64.768 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Jackson are 13.6% below Mesquite β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Jackson typical home at $87,256 is 13.6% under Mesquite at $262,121 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Mesquite -4.6%, Jackson -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mesquite | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.9" | 51.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 66.0Β°F vs 66.0Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FERRIS, TX US, JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mesquite | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 148,848 | 149,827 |
| Median household income | $71,843 | $43,238 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.5% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.42 |
Median household income in Jackson is 13.6% below Mesquite ($71,843 vs $43,238, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Jackson MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 31,490 | $36,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 26,230 | $36,470 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 23,080 | $29,690 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 22,970 | $66,380 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 22,370 | $22,500 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Mississippi
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Mississippi'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 Jackson average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Jackson averages 51.3 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Hurricane season runs June through November on the Gulf Coast.
- 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 Mississippi after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Jackson compared to Mesquite?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $87,256 in Jackson vs $262,121 in Mesquite β a 66.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Jackson compare to Mesquite?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,540 in the Jackson MSA vs $48,440 in the Mesquite MSA, on total employment of 252,860 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Jackson, MS from Mesquite, TX?
The driving distance is 387 mi and the route typically takes 7h 3m via US 80 and I 20. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Jackson more expensive than Mesquite?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jackson is 13.6% lower than Mesquite (89.048 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Mesquite to Jackson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 387 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 Mesquite vs Jackson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,238 in Jackson vs $71,843 in Mesquite β a 39.8% lower 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 Mesquite.
City profiles: Mesquite, TX Β· Jackson, MS.