Moving from Mesquite, TX to Waco, TX
It is a 106 mi drive, roughly 2h 3m, between Mesquite, TX and Waco, TX. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
106 mi Β· 2h 3m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35E, I 635, FM 3051 |
| Major cities en route | Plano, Garland, Richardson, Allen, Carrollton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mesquite | Waco | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 92.55 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 80.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 83.531 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 10.2% moving from Mesquite to Waco 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 $194,245 in Waco, a 10.2% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Mesquite -4.6%, Waco -2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mesquite | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.9" | 37.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 66.0Β°F vs 66.6Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Waco sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FERRIS, TX US, WACO DAM, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mesquite | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 148,848 | 141,925 |
| Median household income | $71,843 | $51,468 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 29.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.5% | 17.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.68 |
Waco households earn about 10.2% less than Mesquite at the median β $71,843 β $51,468 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Waco MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 16,230 | $37,850 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 11,590 | $27,240 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 10,990 | $34,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 10,750 | $35,750 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 10,020 | $58,350 |
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 Waco average 95Β°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
Is Waco more expensive than Mesquite?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Waco is 10.2% lower than Mesquite (92.55 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Mesquite vs Waco?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,468 in Waco vs $71,843 in Mesquite β a 28.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Waco, TX from Mesquite, TX?
The driving distance is 106 mi and the route typically takes 2h 3m via I 35E and I 635. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Waco compared to Mesquite?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $194,245 in Waco vs $262,121 in Mesquite β a 25.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Mesquite to Waco?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 106 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 Waco compare to Mesquite?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,030 in the Waco MSA vs $48,440 in the Mesquite MSA, on total employment of 125,640 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· Waco, TX.