Moving from New Orleans, LA to Mesquite, TX
Relocating 504 mi from New Orleans to Mesquite is a 9h 14m drive through 2 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.
504 mi Β· 9h 14m by car Β· LA β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | LA β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 49, US 167, I 20 |
| Major cities en route | Shreveport, Tyler, Garland, Richardson, Plano |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| New Orleans | Mesquite | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.597 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 71.231 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.691 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.009 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 11.3% above New Orleans β 92.597 β 103.09 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 11.3% above New Orleans β $242,493 β $262,121 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: New Orleans -3.2%, Mesquite -4.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | New Orleans | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 47Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 60.1" | 40.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEW ORLEANS LAKEFRONT AP, LA US, FERRIS, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | New Orleans | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 376,035 | 148,848 |
| Median household income | $55,339 | $71,843 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.96 |
Expect median household income to rise 11.3% β $55,339 β $71,843 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Mesquite MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Louisiana and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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 Mesquite average 96Β°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.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Mesquite more expensive than New Orleans?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Mesquite is 11.3% higher than New Orleans (103.09 vs 92.597, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Mesquite, TX from New Orleans, LA?
The driving distance is 504 mi and the route typically takes 9h 14m via I 49 and US 167. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in New Orleans vs Mesquite?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,843 in Mesquite vs $55,339 in New Orleans β a 29.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Mesquite compared to New Orleans?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $262,121 in Mesquite vs $242,493 in New Orleans β a 8.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from New Orleans to Mesquite?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 504 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 Mesquite compare to New Orleans?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Mesquite MSA vs $43,510 in the New Orleans MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 514,800 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 New Orleans.
City profiles: New Orleans, LA Β· Mesquite, TX.