Moving from Odessa, TX to Abilene, TX
Relocating between Odessa, TX and Abilene, TX is a 168 mi drive — 2h 58m 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.
168 mi · 2h 58m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 84, I 20, TX 349 |
| Major cities en route | Midland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Odessa | Abilene | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.896 | 90.364 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.86 | 81.162 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 89.709 | 73.791 | 100.0 |
Odessa and Abilene sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP — the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Abilene run about 3.8% cheaper — ZHVI $251,239 → $210,016 (2026-03).
YoY change: Odessa +5.6%, Abilene +5.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Odessa | Abilene |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64°F | 66°F |
| January avg low | 32°F | 34°F |
| July avg high | 94°F | 96°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.9" | 3.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 12.3" | 25.2" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 64.4°F vs 65.9°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Expect 3.7 in of snow annually at the destination — manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ODESSA, TX US, ABILENE RGNL AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Odessa | Abilene |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,080 | 127,130 |
| Median household income | $73,030 | $62,720 |
| Median age | 31 | 32.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.6% | 17.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.54 | 2.72 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 3.8% lower in Abilene than Odessa.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Abilene MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 10,850 | $37,990 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 7,210 | $26,270 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 6,750 | $29,820 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 5,560 | $73,610 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 5,460 | $35,350 |
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 Abilene average 96°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
Is Abilene more expensive than Odessa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Abilene is 3.8% lower than Odessa (90.364 vs 93.896, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Abilene compared to Odessa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $210,016 in Abilene vs $251,239 in Odessa — a 16.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Odessa to Abilene?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 168 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Odessa vs Abilene?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,720 in Abilene vs $73,030 in Odessa — a 14.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Odessa and Abilene?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 65.9°F in Abilene vs 64.4°F in Odessa (1.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 3.7 in vs 0.9 in. Annual precipitation: 25.2 in vs 12.3 in.
How far is Abilene, TX from Odessa, TX?
The driving distance is 168 mi and the route typically takes 2h 58m via US 84 and I 20. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Abilene compare to Odessa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $38,680 in the Abilene MSA vs $45,830 in the Odessa MSA, on total employment of 72,780 and 76,440 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 Odessa.
City profiles: Odessa, TX · Abilene, TX.