Moving from Tyler, TX to Abilene, TX
The 281 mi from Tyler to Abilene translate to about 4h 58m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
281 mi Β· 4h 58m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, US 69, I 20 BUS |
| Major cities en route | Fort Worth, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Lewisville, Irving |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tyler | Abilene | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.156 | 90.364 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.904 | 81.162 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.911 | 73.791 | 100.0 |
Abilene and Tyler are close on the overall BEA RPP (92.156 vs 90.364); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 1.9% lower in Abilene than Tyler as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Tyler -1.0%, Abilene +5.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tyler | Abilene |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 3.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.7" | 25.2" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 66.5Β°F vs 65.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Expect 3.7 in of snow annually at the destination β manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TYLER, TX US, ABILENE RGNL AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tyler | Abilene |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,718 | 127,130 |
| Median household income | $65,527 | $62,720 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 32.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.4% | 17.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.86 | 2.72 |
Household income lines up β $65,527 vs $62,720 on ACS 5-year 2023.
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 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 Abilene average 96Β°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
How far is Abilene, TX from Tyler, TX?
The driving distance is 281 mi and the route typically takes 4h 58m via I 20 and US 69. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Abilene compare to Tyler?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $38,680 in the Abilene MSA vs $39,080 in the Tyler MSA, on total employment of 72,780 and 111,520 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Abilene compared to Tyler?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $210,016 in Abilene vs $251,563 in Tyler β a 16.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Abilene more expensive than Tyler?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Abilene is 1.9% lower than Tyler (90.364 vs 92.156, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Tyler vs Abilene?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,720 in Abilene vs $65,527 in Tyler β a 4.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Tyler to Abilene?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 281 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tyler.
City profiles: Tyler, TX Β· Abilene, TX.