Moving from Tallahassee, FL to Mesquite, TX
A move from Tallahassee, FL to Mesquite, TX covers 820 mi and around 15h 17m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
820 mi Β· 15h 17m by car Β· FL β AL β MS β LA β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | FL β AL β MS β LA β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, US 80, I 10 |
| Major cities en route | Mobile, Jackson, Shreveport, Tyler, Dallas |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tallahassee | Mesquite | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.919 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.471 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.24 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.528 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Mesquite is 9.8% higher than Tallahassee, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Mesquite is 9.8% below Tallahassee ($262,121 vs $291,127 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Tallahassee +0.2%, Mesquite -4.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tallahassee | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 58.8" | 40.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Tallahassee (68.5Β°F) and Mesquite (66.0Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TALLAHASSEE, FL US, FERRIS, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tallahassee | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 199,696 | 148,848 |
| Median household income | $55,931 | $71,843 |
| Median age | 28 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.3% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.96 |
Median household income in Mesquite is 9.8% above Tallahassee ($55,931 vs $71,843, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Mesquite MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Florida and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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 Mesquite average 96Β°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.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Tallahassee to Mesquite?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 820 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Tallahassee vs Mesquite?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,843 in Mesquite vs $55,931 in Tallahassee β a 28.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Mesquite compare to Tallahassee?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Mesquite MSA vs $40,930 in the Tallahassee MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 181,050 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Mesquite compared to Tallahassee?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $262,121 in Mesquite vs $291,127 in Tallahassee β a 10.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Mesquite more expensive than Tallahassee?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Mesquite is 9.8% higher than Tallahassee (103.09 vs 93.919, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Mesquite, TX from Tallahassee, FL?
The driving distance is 820 mi and the route typically takes 15h 17m via I 20 and US 80. The trip crosses 5 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 Tallahassee.
City profiles: Tallahassee, FL Β· Mesquite, TX.