Moving from Wichita, KS to Mesquite, TX
Moving from Wichita, KS to Mesquite, TX covers 376 mi and about 6h 40m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
376 mi Β· 6h 40m by car Β· KS β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, OK 9, I 35E |
| Major cities en route | Oklahoma City, Norman, Denton, Frisco, Lewisville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Wichita | Mesquite | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.946 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.459 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 66.245 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Mesquite is 15.9% higher than Wichita, 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 15.9% above Wichita β $202,720 vs $262,121 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Wichita +2.2%, Mesquite -4.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Wichita | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 12.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.3" | 40.9" |
Mesquite runs 8.3Β°F warmer on the annual average (57.7Β°F vs 66.0Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WICHITA, KS US, FERRIS, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Wichita | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 396,488 | 148,848 |
| Median household income | $63,072 | $71,843 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.7% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.52 | 2.96 |
Median household income in Mesquite is 15.9% above Wichita ($63,072 β $71,843, ACS 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 Kansas 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
Is Mesquite more expensive than Wichita?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Mesquite is 15.9% higher than Wichita (103.09 vs 88.946, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Mesquite, TX from Wichita, KS?
The driving distance is 376 mi and the route typically takes 6h 40m via I 35 and OK 9. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Mesquite compared to Wichita?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $262,121 in Mesquite vs $202,720 in Wichita β a 29.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Wichita to Mesquite?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 376 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Mesquite compare to Wichita?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Mesquite MSA vs $44,790 in the Wichita MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 303,910 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Wichita vs Mesquite?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,843 in Mesquite vs $63,072 in Wichita β a 13.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Wichita.
City profiles: Wichita, KS Β· Mesquite, TX.