Moving from Tuscaloosa, AL to Garland, TX
A move from Tuscaloosa, AL to Garland, TX covers 587 mi and around 10h 42m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
587 mi Β· 10h 42m by car Β· TX β LA β MS β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β LA β MS β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, US 80, I 59 |
| Major cities en route | Plano, Frisco, Mckinney, Carrollton, Lewisville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tuscaloosa | Garland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 87.722 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.396 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 58.246 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Garland is 17.5% higher than Tuscaloosa, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Garland is 17.5% above Tuscaloosa β $228,947 vs $286,805 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Tuscaloosa +1.1%, Garland -5.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tuscaloosa | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 35Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 57.3" | 41.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Tuscaloosa (64.3Β°F) and Garland (65.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NORTHPORT 2 S, AL US, RICHARDSON, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tuscaloosa | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,699 | 245,298 |
| Median household income | $48,536 | $74,717 |
| Median age | 28.2 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.3% | 16.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 3.04 |
Median household income in Garland is 17.5% above Tuscaloosa ($48,536 vs $74,717, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Garland 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.
Moving between Alabama and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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 Garland average 94Β°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.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Tuscaloosa to Garland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 587 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Tuscaloosa vs Garland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $74,717 in Garland vs $48,536 in Tuscaloosa β a 53.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Garland more expensive than Tuscaloosa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Garland is 17.5% higher than Tuscaloosa (103.09 vs 87.722, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Garland, TX from Tuscaloosa, AL?
The driving distance is 587 mi and the route typically takes 10h 42m via I 20 and US 80. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Garland compared to Tuscaloosa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $286,805 in Garland vs $228,947 in Tuscaloosa β a 25.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Garland compare to Tuscaloosa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Garland MSA vs $43,690 in the Tuscaloosa MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 103,520 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 Tuscaloosa.
City profiles: Tuscaloosa, AL Β· Garland, TX.