Moving from El Paso, TX to Midland, TX
The 310 mi from El Paso to Midland translate to about 5h 12m 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.
310 mi · 5h 12m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 180, I 20 |
| Major cities en route | Odessa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| El Paso | Midland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.912 | 95.783 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.585 | 83.24 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.248 | 101.497 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Midland is 6.5% higher than El Paso, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Midland is 6.5% above El Paso — $234,775 vs $328,325 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: El Paso +1.4%, Midland +2.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | El Paso | Midland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66°F | 65°F |
| January avg low | 35°F | 31°F |
| July avg high | 96°F | 95°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.8" | 1.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.8" | 13.6" |
Annual average temperatures in El Paso (66.2°F) and Midland (65.0°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Midland averages 1.9 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: EL PASO INTL AP, TX US, MIDLAND 4 ENE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | El Paso | Midland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 678,147 | 133,998 |
| Median household income | $58,734 | $91,169 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 31.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.3% | 23.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.8 | 2.54 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 6.5% between El Paso and Midland (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Midland MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Construction and Extraction Occupations | 17,160 | $49,990 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 14,010 | $48,020 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 11,250 | $45,440 |
| Management Occupations | 10,010 | $126,770 |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations | 9,680 | $56,990 |
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 Midland average 95°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Midland sees only 13.6 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
When is the best time to move from El Paso to Midland?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 310 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Midland compare to El Paso?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,470 in the Midland MSA vs $36,000 in the El Paso MSA, on total employment of 114,810 and 323,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Midland, TX from El Paso, TX?
The driving distance is 310 mi and the route typically takes 5h 12m via I 10 and US 180. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between El Paso and Midland?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 65.0°F in Midland vs 66.2°F in El Paso (1.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 1.9 in vs 2.8 in. Annual precipitation: 13.6 in vs 8.8 in.
How does household income compare in El Paso vs Midland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $91,169 in Midland vs $58,734 in El Paso — a 55.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Midland more expensive than El Paso?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Midland is 6.5% higher than El Paso (95.783 vs 89.912, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Midland compared to El Paso?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $328,325 in Midland vs $234,775 in El Paso — a 39.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from El Paso.
City profiles: El Paso, TX · Midland, TX.