Moving from Mesquite, TX to Chattanooga, TN
A move from Mesquite, TX to Chattanooga, TN covers 777 mi and around 14h 6m of driving through 6 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
777 mi Β· 14h 6m by car Β· TN β GA β AL β MS β LA β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β GA β AL β MS β LA β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, US 80, I 59 |
| Major cities en route | Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Jackson, Shreveport, Tyler |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mesquite | Chattanooga | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 91.464 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 74.209 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 95.994 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 76.55 | 100.0 |
Chattanooga is 11.3% cheaper than Mesquite overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Chattanooga is 11.3% above Mesquite β $262,121 vs $319,579 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Mesquite -4.6%, Chattanooga -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mesquite | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 32Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 3.6" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.9" | 55.0" |
Annual average temperatures in Mesquite (66.0Β°F) and Chattanooga (61.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Chattanooga averages 3.6 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FERRIS, TX US, CHATTANOOGA LOVELL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mesquite | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 148,848 | 182,832 |
| Median household income | $71,843 | $61,028 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 36.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.5% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.35 |
Median household income in Chattanooga is 11.3% below Mesquite ($71,843 β $61,028, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Chattanooga MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 34,970 | $39,520 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 27,430 | $36,320 |
| Production Occupations | 26,510 | $43,150 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 24,780 | $27,910 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 22,460 | $31,750 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Chattanooga average 91Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Chattanooga averages 55.0 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Mesquite vs Chattanooga?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $61,028 in Chattanooga vs $71,843 in Mesquite β a 15.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Chattanooga compare to Mesquite?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,150 in the Chattanooga MSA vs $48,440 in the Mesquite MSA, on total employment of 261,750 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Chattanooga, TN from Mesquite, TX?
The driving distance is 777 mi and the route typically takes 14h 6m via I 20 and US 80. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Mesquite to Chattanooga?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 777 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 Chattanooga compared to Mesquite?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $319,579 in Chattanooga vs $262,121 in Mesquite β a 21.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Chattanooga more expensive than Mesquite?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chattanooga is 11.3% lower than Mesquite (91.464 vs 103.09, 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 Mesquite.
City profiles: Mesquite, TX Β· Chattanooga, TN.