Moving from Laredo, TX to Mesquite, TX
The 434 mi from Laredo to Mesquite translate to about 7h 44m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
434 mi Β· 7h 44m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 27, US 83 |
| Major cities en route | San Antonio, Austin, Round Rock, Killeen, Waco |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Laredo | Mesquite | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 86.956 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.614 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 59.746 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 18.6% pricier overall in Mesquite than Laredo on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 18.6% higher in Mesquite than Laredo as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Laredo +2.5%, Mesquite -4.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Laredo | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 75Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 47Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 100Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 19.7" | 40.9" |
Climate cools by 9.0Β°F on the annual average β 75.0Β°F β 66.0Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LAREDO 2, TX US, FERRIS, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Laredo | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 255,949 | 148,848 |
| Median household income | $63,264 | $71,843 |
| Median age | 29.7 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.1% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 3.36 | 2.96 |
Income steps up 18.6%: $63,264 in Laredo vs $71,843 in Mesquite.
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.
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.
Frequently asked
Is Mesquite more expensive than Laredo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Mesquite is 18.6% higher than Laredo (103.09 vs 86.956, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Laredo vs Mesquite?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,843 in Mesquite vs $63,264 in Laredo β a 13.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Mesquite compared to Laredo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $262,121 in Mesquite vs $220,331 in Laredo β a 19.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Mesquite, TX from Laredo, TX?
The driving distance is 434 mi and the route typically takes 7h 44m via I 35 and I 27. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Laredo to Mesquite?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 434 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Mesquite compare to Laredo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Mesquite MSA vs $35,220 in the Laredo MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 104,610 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Laredo.
City profiles: Laredo, TX Β· Mesquite, TX.