Moving from Elgin, IL to Mesquite, TX
It is 947 mi between Elgin and Mesquite β roughly 17h 32m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 4 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
947 mi Β· 17h 32m by car Β· TX β AR β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β AR β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 67, I 30, I 55 |
| 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
| Elgin | 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 |
Elgin and Mesquite sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $329,682 in Elgin to $262,121 in Mesquite, a 0.5% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Elgin +3.2%, Mesquite -4.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Elgin | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 39.9" | 40.9" |
Annual average temperature jumps 17.0Β°F β 49.0Β°F in Elgin vs 66.0Β°F in Mesquite, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ELGIN, IL US, FERRIS, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elgin | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,106 | 148,848 |
| Median household income | $88,316 | $71,843 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.94 | 2.96 |
Households in Mesquite earn about 0.5% less at the median β ACS 5-year 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 (17.0Β°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 far is Mesquite, TX from Elgin, IL?
The driving distance is 947 mi and the route typically takes 17h 32m via US 67 and I 30. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Elgin to Mesquite?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 947 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Mesquite compared to Elgin?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $262,121 in Mesquite vs $329,682 in Elgin β a 20.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Elgin vs Mesquite?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,843 in Mesquite vs $88,316 in Elgin β a 18.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Mesquite compare to Elgin?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Mesquite MSA vs $49,790 in the Elgin 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.
Is Mesquite more expensive than Elgin?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Mesquite is 0.5% lower than Elgin (103.09 vs 103.595, 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 Elgin.
City profiles: Elgin, IL Β· Mesquite, TX.