Moving from Amarillo, TX to Mesquite, TX
Moving from Amarillo, TX to Mesquite, TX covers 376 mi and about 6h 52m by car through 1 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 52m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 287, US 82, US 70 |
| Major cities en route | Denton, Frisco, Lewisville, Fort Worth, Carrollton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Amarillo | Mesquite | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.82 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.474 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.38 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 91.82 in Amarillo to 103.09 in Mesquite, a 12.3% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Mesquite: 12.3% above Amarillo on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Amarillo +2.6%, Mesquite -4.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Amarillo | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 40.9" |
Mesquite runs 9.1Β°F warmer on the annual average (56.9Β°F vs 66.0Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US, FERRIS, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Amarillo | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,945 | 148,848 |
| Median household income | $62,469 | $71,843 |
| Median age | 35 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.56 | 2.96 |
Median household income in Mesquite is 12.3% above Amarillo ($62,469 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.
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.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Amarillo 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.
Is Mesquite more expensive than Amarillo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Mesquite is 12.3% higher than Amarillo (103.09 vs 91.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Amarillo vs Mesquite?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,843 in Mesquite vs $62,469 in Amarillo β a 15.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Mesquite compare to Amarillo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Mesquite MSA vs $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 120,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Mesquite compared to Amarillo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $262,121 in Mesquite vs $206,787 in Amarillo β a 26.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Mesquite, TX from Amarillo, TX?
The driving distance is 376 mi and the route typically takes 6h 52m via US 287 and US 82. The trip crosses 1 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 Amarillo.
City profiles: Amarillo, TX Β· Mesquite, TX.