Moving from Mesquite, TX to Tyler, TX
It is a 87 mi drive, roughly 1h 36m, between Mesquite, TX and Tyler, TX. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
87 mi Β· 1h 36m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, US 80, US 69 |
| Major cities en route | Dallas, Irving, Grand Prairie, Carrollton, Plano |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mesquite | Tyler | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 92.156 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 82.904 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 79.911 | 100.0 |
Expect about 10.6% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Tyler at 92.156 vs Mesquite at 103.09.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $262,121 vs $251,563.
YoY change: Mesquite -4.6%, Tyler -1.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mesquite | Tyler |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.9" | 47.7" |
Annual average temperatures in Mesquite (66.0Β°F) and Tyler (66.5Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FERRIS, TX US, TYLER, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mesquite | Tyler |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 148,848 | 107,718 |
| Median household income | $71,843 | $65,527 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.5% | 20.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.86 |
Households in Tyler earn about 10.6% less at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tyler MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 12,210 | $37,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 11,080 | $38,150 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 10,660 | $71,810 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 10,430 | $26,300 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 10,210 | $30,020 |
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 Tyler average 93Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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 much do homes cost in Tyler compared to Mesquite?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $251,563 in Tyler vs $262,121 in Mesquite β a 4.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Mesquite vs Tyler?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,527 in Tyler vs $71,843 in Mesquite β a 8.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Mesquite to Tyler?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 87 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Tyler, TX from Mesquite, TX?
The driving distance is 87 mi and the route typically takes 1h 36m via I 20 and US 80. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Tyler more expensive than Mesquite?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tyler is 10.6% lower than Mesquite (92.156 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Tyler compare to Mesquite?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,080 in the Tyler MSA vs $48,440 in the Mesquite MSA, on total employment of 111,520 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Mesquite.
City profiles: Mesquite, TX Β· Tyler, TX.