Moving from Lubbock, TX to Midland, TX
Relocating between Lubbock, TX and Midland, TX is a 119 mi drive β 2h 7m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
119 mi Β· 2h 7m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 87, TX 349, I 27 |
| Major cities en route | Odessa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lubbock | Midland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.317 | 95.783 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.768 | 83.24 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.357 | 101.497 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
4.9% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Lubbock +0.8%, Midland +2.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lubbock | Midland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 30Β°F | 31Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 1.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 19.4" | 13.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: Midland gets around 1.9 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LUBBOCK WFO, TX US, MIDLAND 4 ENE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lubbock | Midland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 261,078 | 133,998 |
| Median household income | $60,487 | $91,169 |
| Median age | 30.4 | 31.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.8% | 23.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.48 | 2.54 |
Expect median household income to rise 4.9% β $60,487 β $91,169 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 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 Midland average 95Β°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
How does household income compare in Lubbock vs Midland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $91,169 in Midland vs $60,487 in Lubbock β a 50.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Lubbock to Midland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 119 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Midland, TX from Lubbock, TX?
The driving distance is 119 mi and the route typically takes 2h 7m via US 87 and TX 349. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Midland compared to Lubbock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $328,325 in Midland vs $209,436 in Lubbock β a 56.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Midland more expensive than Lubbock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Midland is 4.9% higher than Lubbock (95.783 vs 91.317, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Midland compare to Lubbock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,470 in the Midland MSA vs $37,640 in the Lubbock MSA, on total employment of 114,810 and 150,730 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 Lubbock.
City profiles: Lubbock, TX Β· Midland, TX.