Moving from Mesquite, TX to Oklahoma City, OK
Relocating between Mesquite, TX and Oklahoma City, OK is a 219 mi drive β 3h 55m 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.
219 mi Β· 3h 55m by car Β· OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, OK 9, US 77 |
| Major cities en route | Norman, Denton, Frisco, Lewisville, Fort Worth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mesquite | Oklahoma City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 90.408 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 74.067 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 73.885 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 12.3% moving from Mesquite to Oklahoma City β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $262,121 in Mesquite to $206,713 in Oklahoma City, a 12.3% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Mesquite -4.6%, Oklahoma City -0.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mesquite | Oklahoma City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 27Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 6.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.9" | 36.4" |
Expect 5.9Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Expect 6.7 in of snow annually at the destination β manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FERRIS, TX US, OKLAHOMA CITY WILL ROGERS AP, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mesquite | Oklahoma City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 148,848 | 688,693 |
| Median household income | $71,843 | $66,702 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 35 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.5% | 21.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.5 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 12.3% lower in Oklahoma City than Mesquite.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Oklahoma City MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 91,690 | $40,050 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 68,430 | $26,100 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 60,820 | $36,060 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 59,770 | $34,460 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 43,490 | $76,980 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Oklahoma
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Oklahoma'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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Oklahoma City average 93Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Tornado season peaks April through June β identify a safe room or interior space in the new home 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 Oklahoma after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Oklahoma City more expensive than Mesquite?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Oklahoma City is 12.3% lower than Mesquite (90.408 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Oklahoma City, OK from Mesquite, TX?
The driving distance is 219 mi and the route typically takes 3h 55m via I 35 and OK 9. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Oklahoma City compare to Mesquite?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,030 in the Oklahoma City MSA vs $48,440 in the Mesquite MSA, on total employment of 656,800 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 Oklahoma City?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 219 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 Oklahoma City compared to Mesquite?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $206,713 in Oklahoma City vs $262,121 in Mesquite β a 21.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Mesquite vs Oklahoma City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,702 in Oklahoma City vs $71,843 in Mesquite β a 7.2% 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· Oklahoma City, OK.