Moving from Laredo, TX to Dallas, TX
The 429 mi from Laredo to Dallas translate to about 7h 35m 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.
429 mi · 7h 35m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 35E, US 290 |
| Major cities en route | Plano, Garland, Frisco, Mckinney, Mesquite |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Laredo | Dallas | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 86.956 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.614 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 59.746 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 18.6% pricier overall in Dallas than Laredo on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Dallas typical home at $309,421 is 18.6% above Laredo at $220,331 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Laredo +2.5%, Dallas -3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Laredo | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 75°F | 68°F |
| January avg low | 47°F | 38°F |
| July avg high | 100°F | 97°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | 1.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 19.7" | 38.3" |
Climate cools by 7.0°F on the annual average — 75.0°F → 68.0°F.
Expect 1.7 in of snow annually at the destination — manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LAREDO 2, TX US, DALLAS LOVE FLD, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Laredo | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 255,949 | 1,299,553 |
| Median household income | $63,264 | $67,760 |
| Median age | 29.7 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.1% | 22.9% |
| Avg household size | 3.36 | 2.46 |
Income steps up 18.6%: $63,264 in Laredo vs $67,760 in Dallas.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Dallas MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
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 Dallas average 97°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 household income compare in Laredo vs Dallas?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,760 in Dallas vs $63,264 in Laredo — a 7.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Laredo to Dallas?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 429 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Laredo and Dallas?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 68.0°F in Dallas vs 75.0°F in Laredo (7.0°F colder). Annual snowfall: 1.7 in vs 0.1 in. Annual precipitation: 38.3 in vs 19.7 in.
How much do homes cost in Dallas compared to Laredo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,421 in Dallas vs $220,331 in Laredo — a 40.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Dallas more expensive than Laredo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dallas is 18.6% higher than Laredo (103.09 vs 86.956, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Dallas, TX from Laredo, TX?
The driving distance is 429 mi and the route typically takes 7h 35m via I 35 and I 35E. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Dallas compare to Laredo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Dallas MSA vs $35,220 in the Laredo MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 104,610 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Laredo.
City profiles: Laredo, TX · Dallas, TX.