Moving from College Station, TX to Lubbock, TX
The 447 mi from College Station to Lubbock translate to about 8h 9m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
447 mi · 8h 9m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 84, US 183, TX 6 |
| Major cities en route | Killeen, Waco |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| College Station | Lubbock | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.951 | 91.317 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.39 | 82.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 75.088 | 76.357 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for College Station (90.951) and Lubbock (91.317) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Lubbock: 0.4% below College Station on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: College Station +0.5%, Lubbock +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | College Station | Lubbock |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69°F | 62°F |
| January avg low | 41°F | 30°F |
| July avg high | 95°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | — |
| Annual precipitation | 41.8" | 19.4" |
Climate cools by 7.6°F on the annual average — 69.4°F → 61.8°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: COLLEGE STN, TX US, LUBBOCK WFO, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | College Station | Lubbock |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 122,280 | 261,078 |
| Median household income | $51,776 | $60,487 |
| Median age | 22.9 | 30.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.5% | 20.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.74 | 2.48 |
Income steps up 0.4%: $51,776 in College Station vs $60,487 in Lubbock.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Lubbock MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 20,380 | $36,350 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 18,440 | $26,700 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 14,850 | $30,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 13,440 | $35,210 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 11,550 | $59,240 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Lubbock average 93°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
Is Lubbock more expensive than College Station?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lubbock is 0.4% higher than College Station (91.317 vs 90.951, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Lubbock compared to College Station?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $209,436 in Lubbock vs $349,041 in College Station — a 40.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from College Station to Lubbock?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 447 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in College Station vs Lubbock?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,487 in Lubbock vs $51,776 in College Station — a 16.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Lubbock, TX from College Station, TX?
The driving distance is 447 mi and the route typically takes 8h 9m via US 84 and US 183. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Lubbock compare to College Station?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $37,640 in the Lubbock MSA vs $42,710 in the College Station MSA, on total employment of 150,730 and 128,840 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 College Station.
City profiles: College Station, TX · Lubbock, TX.