Moving from Odessa, TX to Atlanta, GA
The drive from Odessa, TX to Atlanta, GA runs 1130 mi β about 20h 6m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1130 mi Β· 20h 6m by car Β· GA β AL β MS β LA β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | GA β AL β MS β LA β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, US 80, I 59 |
| Major cities en route | Sandy Springs, South Fulton, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Jackson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Odessa | Atlanta | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.896 | 100.058 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.86 | 96.239 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 100.416 | 100.0 |
| Services | 89.709 | 111.022 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 6.6% pricier overall in Atlanta than Odessa on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Atlanta typical home at $385,599 is 6.6% above Odessa at $251,239 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Odessa +5.6%, Atlanta -3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Odessa | Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 32Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 12.3" | 48.1" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 64.4Β°F vs 62.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ODESSA, TX US, ATLANTA FULTON CO AP, GA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Odessa | Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,080 | 499,287 |
| Median household income | $73,030 | $81,938 |
| Median age | 31 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.6% | 32.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.54 | 2.16 |
Income steps up 6.6%: $73,030 in Odessa vs $81,938 in Atlanta.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Atlanta MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 350,210 | $43,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 317,700 | $40,250 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 275,750 | $35,560 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 257,700 | $79,020 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 242,360 | $28,720 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Georgia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Georgia's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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 Atlanta average 90Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Tropical storms are possible August through October on the Atlantic coast.
- 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.
- Register to vote in Georgia after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Odessa to Atlanta?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1130 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 Atlanta compared to Odessa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $385,599 in Atlanta vs $251,239 in Odessa β a 53.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Odessa vs Atlanta?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,938 in Atlanta vs $73,030 in Odessa β a 12.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Atlanta, GA from Odessa, TX?
The driving distance is 1130 mi and the route typically takes 20h 6m via I 20 and US 80. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Atlanta more expensive than Odessa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Atlanta is 6.6% higher than Odessa (100.058 vs 93.896, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Atlanta compare to Odessa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,370 in the Atlanta MSA vs $45,830 in the Odessa MSA, on total employment of 2,817,660 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 Β· Atlanta, GA.