Moving from Abilene, TX to Midland, TX
It is a 151 mi drive, roughly 2h 41m, between Abilene, TX and Midland, TX. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate — not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
151 mi · 2h 41m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, LOOP 250, US 84 |
| Major cities en route | Odessa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Abilene | Midland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.364 | 95.783 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.162 | 83.24 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.791 | 101.497 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 6.0% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 6.0% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $210,016 to $328,325 moving to Midland.
YoY change: Abilene +5.2%, Midland +2.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Abilene | Midland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66°F | 65°F |
| January avg low | 34°F | 31°F |
| July avg high | 96°F | 95°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.7" | 1.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 25.2" | 13.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Abilene (65.9°F) and Midland (65.0°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Midland averages 1.9 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ABILENE RGNL AP, TX US, MIDLAND 4 ENE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Abilene | Midland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,130 | 133,998 |
| Median household income | $62,720 | $91,169 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 31.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.6% | 23.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.54 |
Midland households earn about 6.0% more than Abilene at the median — $62,720 → $91,169 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Midland MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Construction and Extraction Occupations | 17,160 | $49,990 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 14,010 | $48,020 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 11,250 | $45,440 |
| Management Occupations | 10,010 | $126,770 |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations | 9,680 | $56,990 |
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 Midland average 95°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Midland sees only 13.6 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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
What is the climate difference between Abilene and Midland?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 65.0°F in Midland vs 65.9°F in Abilene (0.9°F colder). Annual snowfall: 1.9 in vs 3.7 in. Annual precipitation: 13.6 in vs 25.2 in.
How much do homes cost in Midland compared to Abilene?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $328,325 in Midland vs $210,016 in Abilene — a 56.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Abilene to Midland?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 151 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Abilene vs Midland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $91,169 in Midland vs $62,720 in Abilene — a 45.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Midland more expensive than Abilene?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Midland is 6.0% higher than Abilene (95.783 vs 90.364, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Midland, TX from Abilene, TX?
The driving distance is 151 mi and the route typically takes 2h 41m via I 20 and LOOP 250. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Midland compare to Abilene?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,470 in the Midland MSA vs $38,680 in the Abilene MSA, on total employment of 114,810 and 72,780 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 Abilene.
City profiles: Abilene, TX · Midland, TX.