Moving from College Station, TX to Tyler, TX
The 161 mi from College Station to Tyler translate to about 3h 7m 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.
161 mi · 3h 7m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | TX 155, US 79, US 190 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| College Station | Tyler | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.951 | 92.156 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.39 | 82.904 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 75.088 | 79.911 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for College Station (90.951) and Tyler (92.156) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Tyler: 1.3% below College Station on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: College Station +0.5%, Tyler -1.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | College Station | Tyler |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69°F | 67°F |
| January avg low | 41°F | 39°F |
| July avg high | 95°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | — |
| Annual precipitation | 41.8" | 47.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: COLLEGE STN, TX US, TYLER, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | College Station | Tyler |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 122,280 | 107,718 |
| Median household income | $51,776 | $65,527 |
| Median age | 22.9 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.5% | 20.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.74 | 2.86 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 1.3% between College Station and Tyler (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tyler MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 12,210 | $37,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 11,080 | $38,150 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 10,660 | $71,810 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 10,430 | $26,300 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 10,210 | $30,020 |
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 Tyler average 93°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
Is Tyler more expensive than College Station?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tyler is 1.3% higher than College Station (92.156 vs 90.951, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in College Station vs Tyler?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,527 in Tyler vs $51,776 in College Station — a 26.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Tyler, TX from College Station, TX?
The driving distance is 161 mi and the route typically takes 3h 7m via TX 155 and US 79. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Tyler compared to College Station?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $251,563 in Tyler vs $349,041 in College Station — a 27.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from College Station to Tyler?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 161 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Tyler compare to College Station?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,080 in the Tyler MSA vs $42,710 in the College Station MSA, on total employment of 111,520 and 128,840 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 College Station.
City profiles: College Station, TX · Tyler, TX.