Moving from Fort Worth, TX to Waco, TX
The 95 mi from Fort Worth to Waco translate to about 1h 49m 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.
95 mi Β· 1h 49m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 287 BUS, I 35W, FM 3051 |
| Major cities en route | Carrollton, Lewisville, Irving, Arlington, Grand Prairie |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Worth | 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 Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Fort Worth -2.8%, Waco -2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fort Worth | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 97Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 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: FT WORTH MEACHAM FLD NAAF, TX US, WACO DAM, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Worth | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 941,311 | 141,925 |
| Median household income | $76,602 | $51,468 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 29.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.6% | 17.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.82 | 2.68 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 10.2% between Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,030 in the Waco MSA vs $48,440 in the Fort Worth 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.
How far is Waco, TX from Fort Worth, TX?
The driving distance is 95 mi and the route typically takes 1h 49m via US 287 BUS and I 35W. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Fort Worth vs Waco?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,468 in Waco vs $76,602 in Fort Worth β a 32.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Waco more expensive than Fort Worth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Waco is 10.2% lower than Fort Worth (92.55 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Waco compared to Fort Worth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $194,245 in Waco vs $298,051 in Fort Worth β a 34.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Fort Worth to Waco?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 95 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fort Worth.
City profiles: Fort Worth, TX Β· Waco, TX.