Moving from Dallas, TX to Odessa, TX
The 353 mi from Dallas to Odessa translate to about 6h 10m 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.
353 mi · 6h 10m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, I 30, US 377 |
| Major cities en route | Plano, Garland, Frisco, Mckinney, Richardson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Dallas | Odessa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 93.896 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 82.86 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 89.709 | 100.0 |
Odessa is 8.9% cheaper than Dallas overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Odessa is 8.9% below Dallas ($251,239 vs $309,421 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Dallas -3.6%, Odessa +5.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Dallas | Odessa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68°F | 64°F |
| January avg low | 38°F | 32°F |
| July avg high | 97°F | 94°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.7" | 0.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.3" | 12.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Dallas (68.0°F) and Odessa (64.4°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Odessa 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: DALLAS LOVE FLD, TX US, ODESSA, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Dallas | Odessa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,299,553 | 114,080 |
| Median household income | $67,760 | $73,030 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 31 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.9% | 12.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.54 |
Income steps up 8.9%: $67,760 in Dallas vs $73,030 in Odessa.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Odessa MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 9,160 | $44,240 |
| Construction and Extraction Occupations | 8,860 | $46,810 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 8,230 | $41,450 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 7,770 | $28,170 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 7,360 | $36,360 |
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 Odessa average 94°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Odessa sees only 12.3 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Dallas vs Odessa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $73,030 in Odessa vs $67,760 in Dallas — a 7.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Odessa compare to Dallas?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,830 in the Odessa MSA vs $48,440 in the Dallas MSA, on total employment of 76,440 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Dallas to Odessa?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 353 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Odessa compared to Dallas?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $251,239 in Odessa vs $309,421 in Dallas — a 18.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Odessa more expensive than Dallas?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Odessa is 8.9% lower than Dallas (93.896 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Dallas and Odessa?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 64.4°F in Odessa vs 68.0°F in Dallas (3.6°F colder). Annual snowfall: 0.9 in vs 1.7 in. Annual precipitation: 12.3 in vs 38.3 in.
How far is Odessa, TX from Dallas, TX?
The driving distance is 353 mi and the route typically takes 6h 10m via I 20 and I 30. 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 Dallas.
City profiles: Dallas, TX · Odessa, TX.