Moving from Abilene, TX to South Bend, IN
A move from Abilene, TX to South Bend, IN covers 1143 mi and around 20h 58m of driving through 5 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.
1143 mi Β· 20h 58m by car Β· TX β OK β MO β IL β IN
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β MO β IL β IN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, I 55, US 277 |
| Major cities en route | Norman, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Abilene | South Bend | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.364 | 92.858 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.162 | 87.733 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 94.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.791 | 74.586 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Abilene (90.364) and South Bend (92.858) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: South Bend ZHVI at $192,340 is 2.8% below Abilene at $210,016.
YoY change: Abilene +5.2%, South Bend +4.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Abilene | South Bend |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 25.2" | 40.9" |
Major climate step-down: 16.1Β°F cooler annual average in South Bend vs Abilene.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ABILENE RGNL AP, TX US, S BEND, IN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Abilene | South Bend |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,130 | 102,866 |
| Median household income | $62,720 | $52,512 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 33.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.6% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.5 |
Median household income in South Bend is 2.8% below Abilene ($62,720 β $52,512, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in South Bend MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,450 | $40,720 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 12,860 | $28,820 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 12,250 | $38,580 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 11,870 | $34,500 |
| Production Occupations | 11,260 | $39,930 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Indiana
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Indiana'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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (16.1Β°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 Indiana after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is South Bend, IN from Abilene, TX?
The driving distance is 1143 mi and the route typically takes 20h 58m via I 44 and I 55. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in South Bend compared to Abilene?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $192,340 in South Bend vs $210,016 in Abilene β a 8.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in South Bend compare to Abilene?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,420 in the South Bend MSA vs $38,680 in the Abilene MSA, on total employment of 129,890 and 72,780 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Abilene vs South Bend?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $52,512 in South Bend vs $62,720 in Abilene β a 16.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is South Bend more expensive than Abilene?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in South Bend is 2.8% higher than Abilene (92.858 vs 90.364, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Abilene to South Bend?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1143 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Abilene.
City profiles: Abilene, TX Β· South Bend, IN.