Moving from Abilene, TX to Atlanta, GA
It is 961 mi between Abilene and Atlanta β roughly 17h 16m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
961 mi Β· 17h 16m by car Β· GA β AL β MS β LA β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | GA β AL β MS β LA β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, US 80, I 59 |
| Major cities en route | Sandy Springs, South Fulton, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Jackson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Abilene | Atlanta | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.364 | 100.058 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.162 | 96.239 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 100.416 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.791 | 111.022 | 100.0 |
Atlanta runs about 10.7% more expensive overall than Abilene β RPP 90.364 β 100.058.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $210,016 in Abilene to $385,599 in Atlanta, a 10.7% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Abilene +5.2%, Atlanta -3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Abilene | Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 25.2" | 48.1" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 65.9Β°F vs 62.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ABILENE RGNL AP, TX US, ATLANTA FULTON CO AP, GA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Abilene | Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,130 | 499,287 |
| Median household income | $62,720 | $81,938 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.6% | 32.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.16 |
Atlanta households earn about 10.7% more than Abilene at the median β $62,720 β $81,938 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Atlanta MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 350,210 | $43,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 317,700 | $40,250 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 275,750 | $35,560 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 257,700 | $79,020 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 242,360 | $28,720 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Georgia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Georgia'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 Atlanta average 90Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Tropical storms are possible August through October on the Atlantic coast.
- 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 Georgia after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Abilene vs Atlanta?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,938 in Atlanta vs $62,720 in Abilene β a 30.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Atlanta compare to Abilene?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,370 in the Atlanta MSA vs $38,680 in the Abilene MSA, on total employment of 2,817,660 and 72,780 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Atlanta compared to Abilene?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $385,599 in Atlanta vs $210,016 in Abilene β a 83.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Abilene to Atlanta?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 961 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Atlanta more expensive than Abilene?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Atlanta is 10.7% higher than Abilene (100.058 vs 90.364, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Atlanta, GA from Abilene, TX?
The driving distance is 961 mi and the route typically takes 17h 16m via I 20 and US 80. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Abilene.
City profiles: Abilene, TX Β· Atlanta, GA.