Moving from Denton, TX to Abilene, TX
The 184 mi from Denton to Abilene translate to about 3h 20m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β 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.
184 mi Β· 3h 20m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, I 35W, I 820 |
| Major cities en route | Plano, Frisco, Mckinney, Allen, Lewisville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Denton | Abilene | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 90.364 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 81.162 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 73.791 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 103.09 to 90.364, putting Abilene roughly 12.3% below Denton on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Abilene: 12.3% below Denton on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Denton -4.4%, Abilene +5.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Denton | Abilene |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 3.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.4" | 25.2" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: Abilene gets around 3.7 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DENTON 2 SE, TX US, ABILENE RGNL AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Denton | Abilene |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 146,987 | 127,130 |
| Median household income | $73,719 | $62,720 |
| Median age | 31 | 32.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.9% | 17.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.72 |
Income steps down 12.3%: $73,719 in Denton vs $62,720 in Abilene.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Abilene MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 10,850 | $37,990 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 7,210 | $26,270 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 6,750 | $29,820 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 5,560 | $73,610 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 5,460 | $35,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Abilene average 96Β°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 Abilene more expensive than Denton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Abilene is 12.3% lower than Denton (90.364 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Denton to Abilene?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 184 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 Denton vs Abilene?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,720 in Abilene vs $73,719 in Denton β a 14.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Abilene compare to Denton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $38,680 in the Abilene MSA vs $48,440 in the Denton MSA, on total employment of 72,780 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Abilene compared to Denton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $210,016 in Abilene vs $354,135 in Denton β a 40.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Abilene, TX from Denton, TX?
The driving distance is 184 mi and the route typically takes 3h 20m via I 20 and I 35W. 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 Denton.
City profiles: Denton, TX Β· Abilene, TX.