Moving from Denton, TX to Waco, TX
The 128 mi from Denton to Waco translate to about 2h 25m 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.
128 mi Β· 2h 25m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35W, I 35W EXPRESS, FM 3051 |
| 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 | Waco | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 92.55 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 80.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 83.531 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 103.09 to 92.55, putting Waco roughly 10.2% 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 Waco: 10.2% below Denton on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Denton -4.4%, Waco -2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Denton | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.4" | 37.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Effectively snow-free year in Waco β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DENTON 2 SE, TX US, WACO DAM, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Denton | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 146,987 | 141,925 |
| Median household income | $73,719 | $51,468 |
| Median age | 31 | 29.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.9% | 17.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.68 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 10.2% between Denton and Waco (ACS 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.
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 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.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Waco compare to Denton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,030 in the Waco MSA vs $48,440 in the Denton MSA, on total employment of 125,640 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Waco more expensive than Denton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Waco is 10.2% lower than Denton (92.55 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 Waco?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 128 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 Waco?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,468 in Waco vs $73,719 in Denton β a 30.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Waco compared to Denton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $194,245 in Waco vs $354,135 in Denton β a 45.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Waco, TX from Denton, TX?
The driving distance is 128 mi and the route typically takes 2h 25m via I 35W and I 35W EXPRESS. 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· Waco, TX.