Moving from Lubbock, TX to Arlington, TX
The 330 mi from Lubbock to Arlington translate to about 5h 43m 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.
330 mi Β· 5h 43m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, US 84, FM 157 |
| Major cities en route | Dallas, Irving, Carrollton, Lewisville, Grand Prairie |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lubbock | Arlington | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.317 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.768 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.357 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Arlington is 12.9% higher than Lubbock, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Arlington is 12.9% above Lubbock β $209,436 vs $310,971 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Lubbock +0.8%, Arlington -3.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lubbock | Arlington |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 30Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 19.4" | 36.2" |
Climate warms by 5.0Β°F on the annual average β 61.8Β°F β 66.8Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LUBBOCK WFO, TX US, ARLINGTON MUNI AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lubbock | Arlington |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 261,078 | 394,769 |
| Median household income | $60,487 | $73,519 |
| Median age | 30.4 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.8% | 21.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.48 | 2.81 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 12.9% between Lubbock and Arlington (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Arlington 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 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 Arlington 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
How far is Arlington, TX from Lubbock, TX?
The driving distance is 330 mi and the route typically takes 5h 43m via I 20 and US 84. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Lubbock to Arlington?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 330 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Arlington compare to Lubbock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Arlington MSA vs $37,640 in the Lubbock MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 150,730 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Arlington more expensive than Lubbock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Arlington is 12.9% higher than Lubbock (103.09 vs 91.317, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Arlington compared to Lubbock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $310,971 in Arlington vs $209,436 in Lubbock β a 48.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Lubbock vs Arlington?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $73,519 in Arlington vs $60,487 in Lubbock β a 21.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lubbock.
City profiles: Lubbock, TX Β· Arlington, TX.