Moving from Mesquite, TX to Round Rock, TX
It is a 185 mi drive, roughly 3h 23m, between Mesquite, TX and Round Rock, TX. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate — not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
185 mi · 3h 23m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 35E, I 635 |
| Major cities en route | Plano, Garland, Richardson, Allen, Carrollton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mesquite | Round Rock | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 98.066 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 82.044 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 120.361 | 100.0 |
Mesquite and Round Rock sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP — the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $262,121 in Mesquite to $407,077 in Round Rock, a 4.9% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Mesquite -4.6%, Round Rock -5.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mesquite | Round Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 148,848 | 124,288 |
| Median household income | $71,843 | $97,187 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 36.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.5% | 28.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.66 |
Round Rock households earn about 4.9% more than Mesquite at the median — $71,843 → $97,187 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Round Rock MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 160,480 | $44,250 |
| Management Occupations | 121,080 | $120,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 115,170 | $38,390 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 115,080 | $30,040 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 99,680 | $77,510 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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
- 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 the job market in Round Rock compare to Mesquite?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,070 in the Round Rock MSA vs $48,440 in the Mesquite MSA, on total employment of 1,235,440 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Round Rock compared to Mesquite?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $407,077 in Round Rock vs $262,121 in Mesquite — a 55.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Mesquite to Round Rock?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 185 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Round Rock more expensive than Mesquite?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Round Rock is 4.9% lower than Mesquite (98.066 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Mesquite vs Round Rock?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $97,187 in Round Rock vs $71,843 in Mesquite — a 35.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Round Rock, TX from Mesquite, TX?
The driving distance is 185 mi and the route typically takes 3h 23m via I 35 and I 35E. 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 · Round Rock, TX.