Moving from Mesquite, TX to Denton, TX
Relocating between Mesquite, TX and Denton, TX is a 52 mi drive β 1h 4m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
52 mi Β· 1h 4m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35E, I 635, TX 352 |
| Major cities en route | Garland, Dallas, Richardson, Allen, Mckinney |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mesquite | Denton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 103.09 vs 103.09 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 0.0% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $262,121 to $354,135 moving to Denton.
YoY change: Mesquite -4.6%, Denton -4.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mesquite | Denton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.9" | 38.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Mesquite (66.0Β°F) and Denton (65.4Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FERRIS, TX US, DENTON 2 SE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mesquite | Denton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 148,848 | 146,987 |
| Median household income | $71,843 | $73,719 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 31 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.5% | 25.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.72 |
Median household incomes in Mesquite ($71,843) and Denton ($73,719) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Denton 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 Denton 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
How does household income compare in Mesquite vs Denton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $73,719 in Denton vs $71,843 in Mesquite β a 2.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Denton compared to Mesquite?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $354,135 in Denton vs $262,121 in Mesquite β a 35.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Denton, TX from Mesquite, TX?
The driving distance is 52 mi and the route typically takes 1h 4m via I 35E and I 635. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Mesquite to Denton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 52 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 Denton compare to Mesquite?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Denton MSA vs $48,440 in the Mesquite MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 3,966,500 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 Mesquite.
City profiles: Mesquite, TX Β· Denton, TX.