Moving from Abilene, TX to Mesa, AZ
Relocating 878 mi from Abilene to Mesa is a 15h 1m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
878 mi Β· 15h 1m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 20, US 180 |
| Major cities en route | Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Chandler, Glendale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Abilene | Mesa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.364 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.162 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.791 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Mesa runs about 14.3% more expensive overall than Abilene β RPP 90.364 β 103.316.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $210,016 in Abilene to $435,134 in Mesa, a 14.3% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Abilene +5.2%, Mesa -1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Abilene | Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 72Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 41Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 106Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 25.2" | 10.8" |
Expect 6.4Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ABILENE RGNL AP, TX US, E MESA, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Abilene | Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,130 | 507,478 |
| Median household income | $62,720 | $78,779 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.6% | 20.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.59 |
Expect median household income to rise 14.3% β $62,720 β $78,779 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
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 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.
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 106Β°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
How does the job market in Mesa compare to Abilene?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Mesa MSA vs $38,680 in the Abilene MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 72,780 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Mesa more expensive than Abilene?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Mesa is 14.3% higher than Abilene (103.316 vs 90.364, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Abilene vs Mesa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $78,779 in Mesa vs $62,720 in Abilene β a 25.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Mesa compared to Abilene?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $435,134 in Mesa vs $210,016 in Abilene β a 107.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Mesa, AZ from Abilene, TX?
The driving distance is 878 mi and the route typically takes 15h 1m via I 10 and I 20. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Abilene to Mesa?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 878 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Abilene.
City profiles: Abilene, TX Β· Mesa, AZ.