Moving from Abilene, TX to Odessa, TX
Relocating between Abilene, TX and Odessa, TX is a 168 mi drive — 2h 58m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
168 mi · 2h 58m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 84, I 20, TX 349 |
| Major cities en route | Midland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Abilene | Odessa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.364 | 93.896 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.162 | 82.86 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.791 | 89.709 | 100.0 |
Abilene and Odessa sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP — the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Odessa run about 3.9% pricier — ZHVI $210,016 → $251,239 (2026-03).
YoY change: Abilene +5.2%, Odessa +5.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Abilene | Odessa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66°F | 64°F |
| January avg low | 34°F | 32°F |
| July avg high | 96°F | 94°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.7" | 0.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 25.2" | 12.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 65.9°F vs 64.4°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Odessa sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ABILENE RGNL AP, TX US, ODESSA, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Abilene | Odessa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,130 | 114,080 |
| Median household income | $62,720 | $73,030 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 31 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.6% | 12.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.54 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 3.9% higher in Odessa than Abilene.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Odessa MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 9,160 | $44,240 |
| Construction and Extraction Occupations | 8,860 | $46,810 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 8,230 | $41,450 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 7,770 | $28,170 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 7,360 | $36,360 |
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 Odessa average 94°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Odessa sees only 12.3 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
How does the job market in Odessa compare to Abilene?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,830 in the Odessa MSA vs $38,680 in the Abilene MSA, on total employment of 76,440 and 72,780 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Abilene and Odessa?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 64.4°F in Odessa vs 65.9°F in Abilene (1.5°F colder). Annual snowfall: 0.9 in vs 3.7 in. Annual precipitation: 12.3 in vs 25.2 in.
How much do homes cost in Odessa compared to Abilene?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $251,239 in Odessa vs $210,016 in Abilene — a 19.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Abilene to Odessa?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 168 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Odessa more expensive than Abilene?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Odessa is 3.9% higher than Abilene (93.896 vs 90.364, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Odessa, TX from Abilene, TX?
The driving distance is 168 mi and the route typically takes 2h 58m via US 84 and I 20. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Abilene vs Odessa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $73,030 in Odessa vs $62,720 in Abilene — a 16.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Abilene.
City profiles: Abilene, TX · Odessa, TX.