Moving from Waco, TX to Lubbock, TX
The 355 mi from Waco to Lubbock translate to about 6h 32m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — 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.
355 mi · 6h 32m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 84, US 183, TX 153 |
| Major cities en route | Killeen |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Waco | Lubbock | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.55 | 91.317 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.967 | 82.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 83.531 | 76.357 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Lubbock and Waco is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Lubbock is 1.3% above Waco ($209,436 vs $194,245 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Waco -2.3%, Lubbock +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Waco | Lubbock |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67°F | 62°F |
| January avg low | 36°F | 30°F |
| July avg high | 95°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 37.5" | 19.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Waco (66.6°F) and Lubbock (61.8°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WACO DAM, TX US, LUBBOCK WFO, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Waco | Lubbock |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,925 | 261,078 |
| Median household income | $51,468 | $60,487 |
| Median age | 29.2 | 30.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.4% | 20.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.48 |
Income steps up 1.3%: $51,468 in Waco vs $60,487 in Lubbock.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Lubbock MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 20,380 | $36,350 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 18,440 | $26,700 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 14,850 | $30,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 13,440 | $35,210 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 11,550 | $59,240 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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 Lubbock average 93°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 Lubbock more expensive than Waco?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lubbock is 1.3% lower than Waco (91.317 vs 92.55, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Waco vs Lubbock?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,487 in Lubbock vs $51,468 in Waco — a 17.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Lubbock, TX from Waco, TX?
The driving distance is 355 mi and the route typically takes 6h 32m via US 84 and US 183. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Waco to Lubbock?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 355 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Lubbock compared to Waco?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $209,436 in Lubbock vs $194,245 in Waco — a 7.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Lubbock compare to Waco?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $37,640 in the Lubbock MSA vs $41,030 in the Waco MSA, on total employment of 150,730 and 125,640 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 Waco.
City profiles: Waco, TX · Lubbock, TX.