Moving from Abilene, TX to Plano, TX
Moving from Abilene, TX to Plano, TX covers 198 mi and about 3h 37m by car through 1 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
198 mi Β· 3h 37m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, PGBT, I 820 |
| Major cities en route | Mckinney, Allen, Garland, Richardson, Frisco |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Abilene | Plano | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.364 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.162 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.791 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 90.364 in Abilene to 103.09 in Plano, a 14.1% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Plano: 14.1% above Abilene on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Abilene +5.2%, Plano -5.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Abilene | Plano |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 25.2" | 41.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ABILENE RGNL AP, TX US, RICHARDSON, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Abilene | Plano |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,130 | 287,339 |
| Median household income | $62,720 | $108,649 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 39.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.6% | 35.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.6 |
Median household income in Plano is 14.1% above Abilene ($62,720 vs $108,649, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Plano 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.
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 Plano average 94Β°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
How does household income compare in Abilene vs Plano?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $108,649 in Plano vs $62,720 in Abilene β a 73.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Plano compared to Abilene?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $498,989 in Plano vs $210,016 in Abilene β a 137.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Plano more expensive than Abilene?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Plano is 14.1% higher than Abilene (103.09 vs 90.364, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Plano compare to Abilene?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Plano MSA vs $38,680 in the Abilene MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 72,780 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Abilene to Plano?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 198 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Plano, TX from Abilene, TX?
The driving distance is 198 mi and the route typically takes 3h 37m via I 20 and PGBT. The trip crosses 1 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· Plano, TX.