Moving from Mesquite, TX to Laredo, TX
The 434 mi from Mesquite to Laredo 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
| Mesquite | Laredo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 86.956 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 80.614 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 59.746 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 103.09 to 86.956, putting Laredo roughly 15.7% below Mesquite on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Laredo ZHVI at $220,331 is 15.7% below Mesquite at $262,121.
YoY change: Mesquite -4.6%, Laredo +2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mesquite | Laredo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 75Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 47Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 100Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.9" | 19.7" |
Climate warms by 9.0Β°F on the annual average β 66.0Β°F β 75.0Β°F.
Effectively snow-free year in Laredo β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FERRIS, TX US, LAREDO 2, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mesquite | Laredo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 148,848 | 255,949 |
| Median household income | $71,843 | $63,264 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 29.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.5% | 15.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 3.36 |
Income steps down 15.7%: $71,843 in Mesquite vs $63,264 in Laredo.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Laredo MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 15,810 | $34,040 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 15,300 | $35,870 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 10,740 | $23,180 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 9,360 | $28,410 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 9,330 | $22,560 |
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 Laredo average 100Β°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
When is the best time to move from Mesquite to Laredo?
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 household income compare in Mesquite vs Laredo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,264 in Laredo vs $71,843 in Mesquite β a 11.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Laredo compared to Mesquite?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $220,331 in Laredo vs $262,121 in Mesquite β a 15.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Laredo compare to Mesquite?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $35,220 in the Laredo MSA vs $48,440 in the Mesquite MSA, on total employment of 104,610 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Laredo more expensive than Mesquite?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Laredo is 15.7% lower than Mesquite (86.956 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Laredo, TX from Mesquite, 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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Mesquite.
City profiles: Mesquite, TX Β· Laredo, TX.