Moving from Tuscaloosa, AL to Mesquite, TX
A move from Tuscaloosa, AL to Mesquite, TX covers 577 mi and around 10h 28m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
577 mi Β· 10h 28m by car Β· TX β LA β MS β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β LA β MS β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, US 80, I 59 |
| Major cities en route | Dallas, Irving, Grand Prairie, Plano, Garland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tuscaloosa | Mesquite | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 87.722 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.396 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 58.246 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 17.5% pricier overall in Mesquite than Tuscaloosa on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 17.5% higher in Mesquite than Tuscaloosa as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Tuscaloosa +1.1%, Mesquite -4.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tuscaloosa | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 35Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 57.3" | 40.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 64.3Β°F vs 66.0Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NORTHPORT 2 S, AL US, FERRIS, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tuscaloosa | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,699 | 148,848 |
| Median household income | $48,536 | $71,843 |
| Median age | 28.2 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.3% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.96 |
Median household income in Mesquite is 17.5% above Tuscaloosa ($48,536 vs $71,843, ACS 5-year 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 Alabama 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
How far is Mesquite, TX from Tuscaloosa, AL?
The driving distance is 577 mi and the route typically takes 10h 28m via I 20 and US 80. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Mesquite more expensive than Tuscaloosa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Mesquite is 17.5% higher than Tuscaloosa (103.09 vs 87.722, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Mesquite compare to Tuscaloosa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Mesquite MSA vs $43,690 in the Tuscaloosa MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 103,520 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Tuscaloosa to Mesquite?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 577 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 Mesquite compared to Tuscaloosa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $262,121 in Mesquite vs $228,947 in Tuscaloosa β a 14.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Tuscaloosa vs Mesquite?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,843 in Mesquite vs $48,536 in Tuscaloosa β a 48.0% higher 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 Tuscaloosa.
City profiles: Tuscaloosa, AL Β· Mesquite, TX.