Moving from Mesquite, TX to Independence, MO
It is 509 mi between Mesquite and Independence β roughly 9h 45m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 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.
509 mi Β· 9h 45m by car Β· TX β OK β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 69, US 75, I 49 |
| Major cities en route | Dallas, Garland, Irving, Grand Prairie, Carrollton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mesquite | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 10.2% cheaper overall in Independence than Mesquite on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
10.2% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Mesquite -4.6%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mesquite | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.9" | 44.7" |
Annual temperature drops 12.0Β°F moving to Independence per NOAA normals.
Heavy-snow city: expect 13.2 in of snowfall annually at Independence.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FERRIS, TX US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mesquite | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 148,848 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $71,843 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.5% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.39 |
Households in Independence earn about 10.2% less at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Independence MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 133,580 | $43,640 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 105,080 | $42,090 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 95,130 | $29,920 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 94,940 | $36,640 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 77,380 | $75,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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
- Winter gear first: Independence averages 13.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (12.0Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- Tornadoes are common April through June β identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Independence, MO from Mesquite, TX?
The driving distance is 509 mi and the route typically takes 9h 45m via US 69 and US 75. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Mesquite vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $71,843 in Mesquite β a 17.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Independence compare to Mesquite?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $48,440 in the Mesquite MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Mesquite to Independence?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 509 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 Independence compared to Mesquite?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $262,121 in Mesquite β a 20.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Independence more expensive than Mesquite?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 10.2% lower than Mesquite (92.543 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· Independence, MO.