Moving from Des Moines, IA to Mesquite, TX
Relocating 700 mi from Des Moines to Mesquite is a 13h 8m drive through 4 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.
700 mi Β· 13h 8m by car Β· IA β MO β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β MO β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 69, I 35, I 49 |
| Major cities en route | Kansas City, Kansas City, Independence, Lee S Summit, Overland Park |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Mesquite | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Mesquite runs about 12.4% more expensive overall than Des Moines β RPP 91.701 β 103.09.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $208,166 in Des Moines to $262,121 in Mesquite, a 12.4% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Mesquite -4.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Des Moines | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 40.9" |
Annual average temperature jumps 15.1Β°F β 50.9Β°F in Des Moines vs 66.0Β°F in Mesquite, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, FERRIS, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 148,848 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $71,843 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.96 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 12.4% higher in Mesquite than Des Moines.
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 Iowa 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 (15.1Β°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 household income compare in Des Moines vs Mesquite?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,843 in Mesquite vs $63,966 in Des Moines β a 12.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Mesquite compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $262,121 in Mesquite vs $208,166 in Des Moines β a 25.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Mesquite, TX from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 700 mi and the route typically takes 13h 8m via US 69 and I 35. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Mesquite compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Mesquite MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Mesquite more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Mesquite is 12.4% higher than Des Moines (103.09 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Mesquite?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 700 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 Des Moines.
City profiles: Des Moines, IA Β· Mesquite, TX.