Moving from Columbus, GA to Mesquite, TX
Relocating 732 mi from Columbus to Mesquite is a 13h 39m drive through 5 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.
732 mi Β· 13h 39m by car Β· GA β AL β MS β LA β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | GA β AL β MS β LA β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 80, I 20, I 85 |
| Major cities en route | Montgomery, Jackson, Shreveport, Tyler, Dallas |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Columbus | Mesquite | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.296 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.666 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.332 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 61.185 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 15.4% above Columbus β 89.296 β 103.09 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
15.4% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Columbus +1.2%, Mesquite -4.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Columbus | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 33Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.8" | 40.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: COLUMBUS #2, GA US, FERRIS, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Columbus | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 204,383 | 148,848 |
| Median household income | $56,622 | $71,843 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.6% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.54 | 2.96 |
Expect median household income to rise 15.4% β $56,622 β $71,843 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Georgia 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
How does household income compare in Columbus vs Mesquite?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,843 in Mesquite vs $56,622 in Columbus β a 26.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Mesquite compared to Columbus?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $262,121 in Mesquite vs $173,152 in Columbus β a 51.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Mesquite, TX from Columbus, GA?
The driving distance is 732 mi and the route typically takes 13h 39m via US 80 and I 20. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Mesquite compare to Columbus?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Mesquite MSA vs $38,490 in the Columbus MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 113,970 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Columbus to Mesquite?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 732 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Mesquite more expensive than Columbus?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Mesquite is 15.4% higher than Columbus (103.09 vs 89.296, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Columbus.
City profiles: Columbus, GA Β· Mesquite, TX.