Moving from Mesquite, TX to Odessa, TX
The 368 mi from Mesquite to Odessa translate to about 6h 24m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
368 mi Β· 6h 24m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, I 635, LOOP 338 |
| Major cities en route | Plano, Garland, Allen, Richardson, Dallas |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mesquite | Odessa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 93.896 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 82.86 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 89.709 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Odessa are 8.9% 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
Typical home values are comparable between the two cities on the latest Zillow ZHVI.
YoY change: Mesquite -4.6%, Odessa +5.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mesquite | Odessa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 64Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 32Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.9" | 12.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 66.0Β°F vs 64.4Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Odessa sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FERRIS, TX US, ODESSA, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mesquite | Odessa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 148,848 | 114,080 |
| Median household income | $71,843 | $73,030 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 31 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.5% | 12.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.54 |
Household income lines up β $71,843 vs $73,030 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Odessa MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 9,160 | $44,240 |
| Construction and Extraction Occupations | 8,860 | $46,810 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 8,230 | $41,450 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 7,770 | $28,170 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 7,360 | $36,360 |
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 Odessa average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Odessa sees only 12.3 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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
Is Odessa more expensive than Mesquite?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Odessa is 8.9% lower than Mesquite (93.896 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Odessa, TX from Mesquite, TX?
The driving distance is 368 mi and the route typically takes 6h 24m via I 20 and I 635. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Mesquite vs Odessa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $73,030 in Odessa vs $71,843 in Mesquite β a 1.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Mesquite to Odessa?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 368 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 Odessa compare to Mesquite?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,830 in the Odessa MSA vs $48,440 in the Mesquite MSA, on total employment of 76,440 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Odessa compared to Mesquite?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $251,239 in Odessa vs $262,121 in Mesquite β a 4.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Mesquite.
City profiles: Mesquite, TX Β· Odessa, TX.