Moving from Baltimore, MD to Waco, TX
The drive from Baltimore, MD to Waco, TX runs 1465 mi β about 26h 29m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1465 mi Β· 26h 29m by car Β· MD β VA β TN β AR β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | MD β VA β TN β AR β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Alexandria, Knoxville, Murfreesboro, Memphis, Little Rock |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Baltimore | Waco | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.487 | 92.55 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 110.215 | 80.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.353 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 118.194 | 83.531 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Waco are 11.4% below Baltimore β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values are comparable between the two cities on the latest Zillow ZHVI.
YoY change: Baltimore -1.1%, Waco -2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Baltimore | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 30Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.7" | 37.5" |
Climate warms by 7.5Β°F on the annual average β 59.1Β°F β 66.6Β°F.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Waco sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MD SCI CTR BALTIMORE, MD US, WACO DAM, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Baltimore | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 577,193 | 141,925 |
| Median household income | $59,623 | $51,468 |
| Median age | 36.1 | 29.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.1% | 17.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.3 | 2.68 |
Income steps down 11.4%: $59,623 in Baltimore vs $51,468 in Waco.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Waco MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 16,230 | $37,850 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 11,590 | $27,240 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 10,990 | $34,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 10,750 | $35,750 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 10,020 | $58,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Maryland 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Waco average 95Β°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 Waco, TX from Baltimore, MD?
The driving distance is 1465 mi and the route typically takes 26h 29m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Waco more expensive than Baltimore?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Waco is 11.4% lower than Baltimore (92.55 vs 104.487, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Baltimore to Waco?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1465 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Baltimore vs Waco?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,468 in Waco vs $59,623 in Baltimore β a 13.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Waco compared to Baltimore?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $194,245 in Waco vs $188,101 in Baltimore β a 3.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Waco compare to Baltimore?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,030 in the Waco MSA vs $54,140 in the Baltimore MSA, on total employment of 125,640 and 1,304,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Baltimore.
City profiles: Baltimore, MD Β· Waco, TX.