Moving from Aurora, IL to Mesquite, TX
The drive from Aurora, IL to Mesquite, TX runs 928 mi β about 16h 60m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
928 mi Β· 16h 60m by car Β· IL β MO β AR β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO β AR β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 30, I 55, US 70 |
| Major cities en route | Elgin, Naperville, Joliet, Springfield, St Louis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Aurora | Mesquite | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Mesquite and Aurora are close on the overall BEA RPP (103.595 vs 103.09); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 0.5% lower in Mesquite than Aurora as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Aurora +2.9%, Mesquite -4.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Aurora | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 27.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 39.5" | 40.9" |
NOAA normals show Mesquite running 15.8Β°F above Aurora on the annual mean.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AURORA, IL US, FERRIS, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Aurora | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 179,867 | 148,848 |
| Median household income | $90,109 | $71,843 |
| Median age | 35.2 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.96 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 0.5% between Aurora and Mesquite (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 Illinois 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (15.8Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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
How does the job market in Mesquite compare to Aurora?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Mesquite MSA vs $49,790 in the Aurora MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Aurora to Mesquite?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 928 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Mesquite more expensive than Aurora?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Mesquite is 0.5% lower than Aurora (103.09 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Mesquite, TX from Aurora, IL?
The driving distance is 928 mi and the route typically takes 16h 60m via I 30 and I 55. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Mesquite compared to Aurora?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $262,121 in Mesquite vs $316,958 in Aurora β a 17.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Aurora vs Mesquite?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,843 in Mesquite vs $90,109 in Aurora β a 20.3% lower 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 Aurora.
City profiles: Aurora, IL Β· Mesquite, TX.