Moving from Mesquite, TX to McAllen, TX
Relocating 528 mi from Mesquite to McAllen is a 9h 16m drive through 1 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
528 mi Β· 9h 16m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 281, TX 130 TOLL, I 69C |
| Major cities en route | Plano, Garland, Carrollton, Richardson, Allen |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mesquite | McAllen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 85.895 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 81.186 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 55.892 | 100.0 |
Expect about 16.7% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has McAllen at 85.895 vs Mesquite at 103.09.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 16.7% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Mesquite -4.6%, McAllen +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mesquite | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 76Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 49Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 98Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.9" | 18.7" |
Expect 9.5Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
McAllen gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FERRIS, TX US, MCALLEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mesquite | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 148,848 | 143,789 |
| Median household income | $71,843 | $60,165 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.5% | 20.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.98 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 16.7% lower in McAllen than Mesquite.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in McAllen MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 49,560 | $22,940 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 42,390 | $22,490 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 35,950 | $34,890 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 28,370 | $58,670 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 26,190 | $23,220 |
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 McAllen average 98Β°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 far is McAllen, TX from Mesquite, TX?
The driving distance is 528 mi and the route typically takes 9h 16m via US 281 and TX 130 TOLL. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in McAllen compare to Mesquite?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $32,550 in the McAllen MSA vs $48,440 in the Mesquite MSA, on total employment of 285,850 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 McAllen?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 528 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is McAllen more expensive than Mesquite?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in McAllen is 16.7% lower than Mesquite (85.895 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in McAllen compared to Mesquite?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $229,001 in McAllen vs $262,121 in Mesquite β a 12.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Mesquite vs McAllen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,165 in McAllen vs $71,843 in Mesquite β a 16.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Mesquite.
City profiles: Mesquite, TX Β· McAllen, TX.