Moving from Cambridge, MA to Waco, TX
Moving from Cambridge, MA to Waco, TX is a 1854 mi cross-country relocation β about 34h 23m of driving through 10 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1854 mi Β· 34h 23m by car Β· TX β AR β TN β VA β MD β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β AR β TN β VA β MD β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Dallas, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Irving, Carrollton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cambridge | Waco | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 92.55 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 80.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 83.531 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Waco are 14.5% below Cambridge β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Waco typical home at $194,245 is 14.5% under Cambridge at $1,041,569 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Cambridge -1.5%, Waco -2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cambridge | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 49.4" | 37.5" |
NOAA normals show Waco running 15.4Β°F above Cambridge on the annual mean.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Waco sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US, WACO DAM, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cambridge | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,794 | 141,925 |
| Median household income | $126,469 | $51,468 |
| Median age | 30.5 | 29.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.8% | 17.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.68 |
Median household income in Waco is 14.5% below Cambridge ($126,469 vs $51,468, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Waco MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 16,230 | $37,850 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 11,590 | $27,240 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 10,990 | $34,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 10,750 | $35,750 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 10,020 | $58,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Massachusetts and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Waco average 95Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (15.4Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Waco compared to Cambridge?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $194,245 in Waco vs $1,041,569 in Cambridge β a 81.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Cambridge to Waco?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1854 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Cambridge vs Waco?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,468 in Waco vs $126,469 in Cambridge β a 59.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Waco more expensive than Cambridge?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Waco is 14.5% lower than Cambridge (92.55 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Waco, TX from Cambridge, MA?
The driving distance is 1854 mi and the route typically takes 34h 23m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cambridge.
City profiles: Cambridge, MA Β· Waco, TX.