Moving from Mesquite, TX to Richmond, VA
The drive from Mesquite, TX to Richmond, VA runs 1270 mi β about 22h 50m 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.
1270 mi Β· 22h 50m by car Β· VA β TN β AR β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β TN β AR β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 30, US 70 |
| Major cities en route | Knoxville, Murfreesboro, Memphis, Little Rock, Plano |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mesquite | Richmond | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 97.858 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 89.221 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 96.773 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 99.136 | 100.0 |
Richmond is 5.1% cheaper than Mesquite overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Richmond is 5.1% above Mesquite β $262,121 vs $369,646 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Mesquite -4.6%, Richmond +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mesquite | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 29Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 8.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.9" | 45.5" |
Climate cools by 7.1Β°F on the annual average β 66.0Β°F β 58.9Β°F.
Richmond averages 8.8 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FERRIS, TX US, RICHMOND INTL AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mesquite | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 148,848 | 227,595 |
| Median household income | $71,843 | $62,671 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.5% | 26% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.23 |
Income steps down 5.1%: $71,843 in Mesquite vs $62,671 in Richmond.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Richmond MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,810 | $43,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 61,000 | $36,060 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 58,830 | $43,620 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 57,620 | $78,170 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 50,860 | $30,140 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Virginia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Virginia'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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
Is Richmond more expensive than Mesquite?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Richmond is 5.1% lower than Mesquite (97.858 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Richmond, VA from Mesquite, TX?
The driving distance is 1270 mi and the route typically takes 22h 50m via I 40 and I 30. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Mesquite to Richmond?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1270 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Richmond compared to Mesquite?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,646 in Richmond vs $262,121 in Mesquite β a 41.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Richmond compare to Mesquite?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,470 in the Richmond MSA vs $48,440 in the Mesquite MSA, on total employment of 647,440 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Mesquite vs Richmond?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,671 in Richmond vs $71,843 in Mesquite β a 12.8% 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· Richmond, VA.