Moving from Dayton, OH to Mesquite, TX
Relocating 981 mi from Dayton to Mesquite is a 17h 42m 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.
981 mi Β· 17h 42m by car Β· TX β AR β TN β KY β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β AR β TN β KY β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 30, US 67 |
| Major cities en route | Dallas, Grand Prairie, Plano, Irving, Garland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Dayton | Mesquite | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.694 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.388 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 72.712 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 11.2% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 11.2% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $136,592 to $262,121 moving to Mesquite.
YoY change: Dayton +1.4%, Mesquite -4.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Dayton | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 12.3" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.7" | 40.9" |
Expect 12.7Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DAYTON MCD, OH US, FERRIS, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Dayton | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,741 | 148,848 |
| Median household income | $43,454 | $71,843 |
| Median age | 34.2 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.9% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.96 |
Expect median household income to rise 11.2% β $43,454 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 Ohio 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements 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 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 (12.7Β°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 much do homes cost in Mesquite compared to Dayton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $262,121 in Mesquite vs $136,592 in Dayton β a 91.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Mesquite more expensive than Dayton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Mesquite is 11.2% higher than Dayton (103.09 vs 92.694, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Dayton to Mesquite?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 981 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Dayton vs Mesquite?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,843 in Mesquite vs $43,454 in Dayton β a 65.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Mesquite, TX from Dayton, OH?
The driving distance is 981 mi and the route typically takes 17h 42m via I 40 and I 30. The trip crosses 5 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 Dayton.
City profiles: Dayton, OH Β· Mesquite, TX.