Moving from Waco, TX to Pearland, TX
It is a 205 mi drive, roughly 3h 57m, between Waco, TX and Pearland, TX. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
205 mi Β· 3h 57m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | TX 6, US 190, US 290 |
| Major cities en route | College Station, Houston, Sugar Land, Pasadena, League City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Waco | Pearland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.55 | 98.629 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.967 | 95.288 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 100.639 | 100.0 |
| Services | 83.531 | 104.51 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 6.6% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 6.6% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $194,245 to $382,157 moving to Pearland.
YoY change: Waco -2.3%, Pearland -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Waco | Pearland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.5" | 53.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Waco (66.6Β°F) and Pearland (71.3Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WACO DAM, TX US, HOUSTON CLOVER FLD, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Waco | Pearland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,925 | 125,983 |
| Median household income | $51,468 | $112,470 |
| Median age | 29.2 | 36.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.4% | 29.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.89 |
Pearland households earn about 6.6% more than Waco at the median β $51,468 β $112,470 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Pearland MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 387,430 | $41,570 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 305,780 | $39,450 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 288,170 | $27,490 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 269,160 | $35,450 |
| Management Occupations | 268,670 | $109,460 |
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 Pearland average 93Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Pearland averages 53.3 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 does household income compare in Waco vs Pearland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $112,470 in Pearland vs $51,468 in Waco β a 118.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Pearland compare to Waco?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,960 in the Pearland MSA vs $41,030 in the Waco MSA, on total employment of 3,179,460 and 125,640 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Pearland more expensive than Waco?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pearland is 6.6% higher than Waco (98.629 vs 92.55, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Pearland, TX from Waco, TX?
The driving distance is 205 mi and the route typically takes 3h 57m via TX 6 and US 190. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Waco to Pearland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 205 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 Pearland compared to Waco?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $382,157 in Pearland vs $194,245 in Waco β a 96.7% 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· Pearland, TX.