Moving from Abilene, TX to Cincinnati, OH

Relocating 1118 mi from Abilene to Cincinnati is a 20h 1m drive through 5 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.

1118 mi Β· 20h 1m by car Β· OH β†’ KY β†’ TN β†’ AR β†’ TX

COL +5.5% Home values +18.8% Ξ” -11.1Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
1118 mi
Drive time
20h 1m
States
5
Fuel (25 mpg)
45 gal
Route throughOH β†’ KY β†’ TN β†’ AR β†’ TX
Primary highwaysI 30, I 40, US 70
Major cities en routeMemphis, Little Rock, Garland, Mckinney, Allen

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

AbileneCincinnatiU.S. avg
All items (RPP)90.36495.37100.0
Rents81.16290.954100.0
Goods93.75793.751100.0
Services73.79187.608100.0

Overall prices come in 5.5% above Abilene β€” 90.364 β†’ 95.37 on the BEA RPP.

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Abilene β€” typical home
$210,016
Cincinnati β€” typical home
$249,568
Abilene β€” typical rent
$1,769/mo
Cincinnati β€” typical rent
$1,462/mo

Housing comes in 5.5% above Abilene β€” $210,016 β†’ $249,568 on the latest ZHVI.

YoY change: Abilene +5.2%, Cincinnati +1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsAbileneCincinnati
Annual avg temperature66Β°F55Β°F
January avg low34Β°F24Β°F
July avg high96Β°F87Β°F
Annual snowfall3.7"β€”
Annual precipitation25.2"43.4"

Expect 11.1Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ABILENE RGNL AP, TX US, CINCINNATI LUNKEN AP, OH US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023AbileneCincinnati
Population127,130309,595
Median household income$62,720$51,707
Median age32.833
Bachelor's degree or higher17.6%23.2%
Avg household size2.722.17

ACS 2023 shows median household income 5.5% lower in Cincinnati than Abilene.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Abilene MSA β€” median wage
$38,680
Cincinnati MSA β€” median wage
$47,280
Abilene MSA β€” employment
72,780
Cincinnati MSA β€” employment
1,081,800

Top occupations in Cincinnati MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian wage
Office and Administrative Support Occupations 134,320 $43,760
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations 114,420 $40,930
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations 103,690 $29,030
Sales and Related Occupations 91,020 $35,670
Production Occupations 77,510 $44,290

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Moving between Texas and Ohio

Texas income tax
no state income tax
Ohio income tax
3.5% top marginal

State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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 20–30% 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.

Winter driving along this route

  • I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
  • I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.

State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.

Packing & arrival checklist

  • You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (11.1Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
  • 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 Ohio after establishing residency.

Frequently asked

How far is Cincinnati, OH from Abilene, TX?

The driving distance is 1118 mi and the route typically takes 20h 1m via I 30 and I 40. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

When is the best time to move from Abilene to Cincinnati?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1118 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 Cincinnati compared to Abilene?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $249,568 in Cincinnati vs $210,016 in Abilene β€” a 18.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

How does household income compare in Abilene vs Cincinnati?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,707 in Cincinnati vs $62,720 in Abilene β€” a 17.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

How does the job market in Cincinnati compare to Abilene?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,280 in the Cincinnati MSA vs $38,680 in the Abilene MSA, on total employment of 1,081,800 and 72,780 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.

Is Cincinnati more expensive than Abilene?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cincinnati is 5.5% higher than Abilene (95.37 vs 90.364, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

Plan the move

Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Abilene.

City profiles: Abilene, TX Β· Cincinnati, OH.

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