Moving from Tuscaloosa, AL to Midland, TX
A move from Tuscaloosa, AL to Midland, TX covers 922 mi and around 16h 23m 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.
922 mi Β· 16h 23m 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 | Odessa, Abilene, Fort Worth, Arlington, Grand Prairie |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tuscaloosa | Midland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 87.722 | 95.783 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.396 | 83.24 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 58.246 | 101.497 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 87.722 in Tuscaloosa to 95.783 in Midland, a 9.2% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Midland: 9.2% above Tuscaloosa on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Tuscaloosa +1.1%, Midland +2.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tuscaloosa | Midland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 35Β°F | 31Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 1.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 57.3" | 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: NORTHPORT 2 S, AL US, MIDLAND 4 ENE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tuscaloosa | Midland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,699 | 133,998 |
| Median household income | $48,536 | $91,169 |
| Median age | 28.2 | 31.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.3% | 23.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.54 |
Median household income in Midland is 9.2% above Tuscaloosa ($48,536 vs $91,169, ACS 5-year 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.
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 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.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Midland compare to Tuscaloosa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,470 in the Midland MSA vs $43,690 in the Tuscaloosa MSA, on total employment of 114,810 and 103,520 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Tuscaloosa to Midland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 922 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Midland more expensive than Tuscaloosa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Midland is 9.2% higher than Tuscaloosa (95.783 vs 87.722, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Midland, TX from Tuscaloosa, AL?
The driving distance is 922 mi and the route typically takes 16h 23m via I 20 and US 80. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Tuscaloosa vs Midland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $91,169 in Midland vs $48,536 in Tuscaloosa β a 87.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Midland compared to Tuscaloosa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $328,325 in Midland vs $228,947 in Tuscaloosa β a 43.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tuscaloosa.
City profiles: Tuscaloosa, AL Β· Midland, TX.