Moving from Brockton, MA to Waco, TX
Moving from Brockton, MA to Waco, TX is a 1858 mi cross-country relocation — about 34h 35m of driving through 12 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1858 mi · 34h 35m by car · TX → AR → TN → VA → WV → MD → PA → NJ → NY → CT → RI → MA
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → AR → TN → VA → WV → MD → PA → NJ → NY → CT → RI → MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Dallas, Arlington, Irving, Grand Prairie, Carrollton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Brockton | Waco | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 92.55 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 80.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 83.531 | 100.0 |
Waco is 14.5% cheaper than Brockton overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Waco is 14.5% below Brockton — $503,833 vs $194,245 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Brockton +1.4%, Waco -2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Brockton | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 67°F |
| January avg low | 21°F | 36°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 95°F |
| Annual snowfall | 34.3" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 50.2" | 37.5" |
Waco runs 15.2°F warmer on the annual average (51.4°F vs 66.6°F) — a climate shift you will feel in cooling bills and wardrobe alike.
Waco gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BROCKTON, MA US, WACO DAM, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Brockton | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 105,080 | 141,925 |
| Median household income | $77,089 | $51,468 |
| Median age | 36.5 | 29.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.6% | 17.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.95 | 2.68 |
Median household income in Waco is 14.5% below Brockton ($77,089 vs $51,468, ACS 5-year 2023).
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 Massachusetts 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 — 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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
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 95°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (15.2°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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
Is Waco more expensive than Brockton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Waco is 14.5% lower than Brockton (92.55 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Brockton vs Waco?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,468 in Waco vs $77,089 in Brockton — a 33.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Brockton to Waco?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1858 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Brockton and Waco?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.6°F in Waco vs 51.4°F in Brockton (15.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 34.3 in. Annual precipitation: 37.5 in vs 50.2 in.
How much do homes cost in Waco compared to Brockton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $194,245 in Waco vs $503,833 in Brockton — a 61.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Waco, TX from Brockton, MA?
The driving distance is 1858 mi and the route typically takes 34h 35m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 12 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 Brockton.
City profiles: Brockton, MA · Waco, TX.