Moving from Round Rock, TX to Mesa, AZ
Relocating 1022 mi from Round Rock to Mesa is a 17h 37m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1022 mi · 17h 37m by car · AZ → NM → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 180, US 290 |
| Major cities en route | Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Chandler, Glendale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Round Rock | Mesa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.066 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.044 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.361 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 5.4% above Round Rock — 98.066 → 103.316 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 5.4% above Round Rock — $407,077 → $435,134 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Round Rock -5.9%, Mesa -1.8%. 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 | Round Rock | Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 124,288 | 507,478 |
| Median household income | $97,187 | $78,779 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.1% | 20.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.66 | 2.59 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 5.4% lower in Mesa than Round Rock.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Mesa MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Mesa average 106°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Mesa sees only 10.8 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Round Rock to Mesa?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1022 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Round Rock vs Mesa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $78,779 in Mesa vs $97,187 in Round Rock — a 18.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Mesa compared to Round Rock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $435,134 in Mesa vs $407,077 in Round Rock — a 6.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Mesa, AZ from Round Rock, TX?
The driving distance is 1022 mi and the route typically takes 17h 37m via I 10 and US 180. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Mesa more expensive than Round Rock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Mesa is 5.4% higher than Round Rock (103.316 vs 98.066, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Mesa compare to Round Rock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Mesa MSA vs $50,070 in the Round Rock MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 1,235,440 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 Round Rock.
City profiles: Round Rock, TX · Mesa, AZ.