Moving from Waco, TX to Denton, TX
The 128 mi from Waco to Denton translate to about 2h 25m 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.
128 mi Β· 2h 25m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35W, I 35W EXPRESS, FM 3051 |
| Major cities en route | Plano, Frisco, Mckinney, Allen, Lewisville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Waco | Denton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.55 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.967 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 83.531 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 92.55 in Waco to 103.09 in Denton, a 11.4% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Denton: 11.4% above Waco on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Waco -2.3%, Denton -4.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Waco | Denton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.5" | 38.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WACO DAM, TX US, DENTON 2 SE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Waco | Denton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,925 | 146,987 |
| Median household income | $51,468 | $73,719 |
| Median age | 29.2 | 31 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.4% | 25.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.72 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 11.4% between Waco and Denton (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Denton 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.
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 Denton 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
Is Denton more expensive than Waco?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Denton is 11.4% higher than Waco (103.09 vs 92.55, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Denton, TX from Waco, TX?
The driving distance is 128 mi and the route typically takes 2h 25m via I 35W and I 35W EXPRESS. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Waco vs Denton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $73,719 in Denton vs $51,468 in Waco β a 43.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Denton compare to Waco?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Denton MSA vs $41,030 in the Waco MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 125,640 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Waco to Denton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 128 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 Denton compared to Waco?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $354,135 in Denton vs $194,245 in Waco β a 82.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Waco.
City profiles: Waco, TX Β· Denton, TX.