Moving from Mesquite, TX to Tulsa, OK
The 266 mi from Mesquite to Tulsa translate to about 5h 5m behind the wheel through 2 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.
266 mi Β· 5h 5m by car Β· OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 75, US 69, US 62 |
| Major cities en route | Broken Arrow, Mckinney, Frisco, Allen, Denton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mesquite | Tulsa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 89.214 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 73.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 68.235 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Tulsa are 13.5% 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
Zillow typical home value is 13.5% lower in Tulsa than Mesquite as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Mesquite -4.6%, Tulsa +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mesquite | Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 8.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.9" | 41.0" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 66.0Β°F vs 61.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Expect 8.7 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, TULSA INTL AP, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mesquite | Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 148,848 | 412,322 |
| Median household income | $71,843 | $58,407 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.5% | 20.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.41 |
Income steps down 13.5%: $71,843 in Mesquite vs $58,407 in Tulsa.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tulsa MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 57,490 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 42,230 | $33,990 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 42,030 | $26,730 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 40,710 | $36,500 |
| Production Occupations | 33,610 | $44,720 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Oklahoma
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Oklahoma'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 Tulsa average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Tornado season peaks April through June β identify a safe room or interior space in the new home on day one.
- 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 Oklahoma after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Tulsa compare to Mesquite?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,140 in the Tulsa MSA vs $48,440 in the Mesquite MSA, on total employment of 443,020 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Mesquite to Tulsa?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 266 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Tulsa, OK from Mesquite, TX?
The driving distance is 266 mi and the route typically takes 5h 5m via US 75 and US 69. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Mesquite vs Tulsa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,407 in Tulsa vs $71,843 in Mesquite β a 18.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Tulsa compared to Mesquite?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,450 in Tulsa vs $262,121 in Mesquite β a 17.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Tulsa more expensive than Mesquite?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tulsa is 13.5% lower than Mesquite (89.214 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Mesquite.
City profiles: Mesquite, TX Β· Tulsa, OK.