Moving from Lubbock, TX to Dallas, TX
It is a 349 mi drive, roughly 6h 8m, between Lubbock, TX and Dallas, TX. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
349 mi Β· 6h 8m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, US 84, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Plano, Garland, Frisco, Mckinney, Richardson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lubbock | Dallas | 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 |
Expect roughly 12.9% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 12.9% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $209,436 to $309,421 moving to Dallas.
YoY change: Lubbock +0.8%, Dallas -3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lubbock | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 68Β°F |
| January avg low | 30Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 97Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 1.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 19.4" | 38.3" |
Annual temperature rises 6.2Β°F moving to Dallas per NOAA normals.
Dallas averages 1.7 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LUBBOCK WFO, TX US, DALLAS LOVE FLD, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lubbock | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 261,078 | 1,299,553 |
| Median household income | $60,487 | $67,760 |
| Median age | 30.4 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.8% | 22.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.48 | 2.46 |
Households in Dallas earn about 12.9% more at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
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 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 Dallas average 97Β°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 Lubbock vs Dallas?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,760 in Dallas vs $60,487 in Lubbock β a 12.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Dallas, TX from Lubbock, TX?
The driving distance is 349 mi and the route typically takes 6h 8m 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 Dallas?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 349 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Dallas compared to Lubbock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,421 in Dallas vs $209,436 in Lubbock β a 47.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Dallas compare to Lubbock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Dallas 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 Dallas more expensive than Lubbock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dallas is 12.9% higher than Lubbock (103.09 vs 91.317, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lubbock.
City profiles: Lubbock, TX Β· Dallas, TX.