Moving from Abilene, TX to Fort Worth, TX
The 150 mi from Abilene to Fort Worth translate to about 2h 43m 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.
150 mi Β· 2h 43m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, I 30, I 20 BUS |
| Major cities en route | Carrollton, Lewisville, Irving, Arlington, Grand Prairie |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Abilene | Fort Worth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.364 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.162 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.791 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Fort Worth is 14.1% higher than Abilene, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Fort Worth is 14.1% above Abilene β $210,016 vs $298,051 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Abilene +5.2%, Fort Worth -2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Abilene | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 68Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 97Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 25.2" | β |
Annual average temperatures in Abilene (65.9Β°F) and Fort Worth (67.5Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ABILENE RGNL AP, TX US, FT WORTH MEACHAM FLD NAAF, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Abilene | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,130 | 941,311 |
| Median household income | $62,720 | $76,602 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.6% | 20.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.82 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 14.1% between Abilene and Fort Worth (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth average 97Β°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 Fort Worth, TX from Abilene, TX?
The driving distance is 150 mi and the route typically takes 2h 43m via I 20 and I 30. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Abilene vs Fort Worth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,602 in Fort Worth vs $62,720 in Abilene β a 22.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Fort Worth compared to Abilene?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $298,051 in Fort Worth vs $210,016 in Abilene β a 41.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Fort Worth more expensive than Abilene?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fort Worth is 14.1% higher than Abilene (103.09 vs 90.364, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Fort Worth compare to Abilene?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Fort Worth MSA vs $38,680 in the Abilene MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 72,780 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Abilene to Fort Worth?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 150 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 Abilene.
City profiles: Abilene, TX Β· Fort Worth, TX.