Moving from Abilene, TX to Sugar Land, TX
The 376 mi from Abilene to Sugar Land translate to about 7h 4m 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.
376 mi · 7h 4m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | TX 71, US 183, US 84 |
| Major cities en route | Killeen, Round Rock, Austin, Houston, Pearland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Abilene | Sugar Land | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.364 | 98.629 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.162 | 95.288 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 100.639 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.791 | 104.51 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Sugar Land is 9.1% higher than Abilene, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Sugar Land is 9.1% above Abilene — $210,016 vs $447,176 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Abilene +5.2%, Sugar Land -0.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Abilene | Sugar Land |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66°F | 71°F |
| January avg low | 34°F | 43°F |
| July avg high | 96°F | 94°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.7" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 25.2" | 51.1" |
Annual average temperatures in Abilene (65.9°F) and Sugar Land (70.6°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Sugar Land gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ABILENE RGNL AP, TX US, SUGAR LAND, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Abilene | Sugar Land |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,130 | 109,735 |
| Median household income | $62,720 | $137,511 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 42.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.6% | 35.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.9 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 9.1% between Abilene and Sugar Land (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Sugar Land 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 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 Sugar Land average 94°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: Sugar Land averages 51.1 in of annual precipitation — 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
When is the best time to move from Abilene to Sugar Land?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 376 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Sugar Land compared to Abilene?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $447,176 in Sugar Land vs $210,016 in Abilene — a 112.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Sugar Land compare to Abilene?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,960 in the Sugar Land MSA vs $38,680 in the Abilene MSA, on total employment of 3,179,460 and 72,780 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Sugar Land, TX from Abilene, TX?
The driving distance is 376 mi and the route typically takes 7h 4m via TX 71 and US 183. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Sugar Land more expensive than Abilene?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Sugar Land is 9.1% higher than Abilene (98.629 vs 90.364, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Abilene vs Sugar Land?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $137,511 in Sugar Land vs $62,720 in Abilene — a 119.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Abilene and Sugar Land?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 70.6°F in Sugar Land vs 65.9°F in Abilene (4.7°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 3.7 in. Annual precipitation: 51.1 in vs 25.2 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Abilene.
City profiles: Abilene, TX · Sugar Land, TX.