Moving from Columbia, MO to Garland, TX
Relocating 574 mi from Columbia to Garland is a 10h 54m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
574 mi Β· 10h 54m by car Β· TX β OK β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 69, I 44, US 75 |
| Major cities en route | Dallas, Grand Prairie, Mesquite, Irving, Richardson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Columbia | Garland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.438 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 85.966 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.193 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 69.248 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Garland runs about 15.3% more expensive overall than Columbia β RPP 89.438 β 103.09.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Garland run about 15.3% cheaper β ZHVI $321,091 β $286,805 (2026-03).
YoY change: Columbia +2.6%, Garland -5.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Columbia | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 17.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 44.8" | 41.9" |
Expect 9.6Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: COLUMBIA U OF M, MO US, RICHARDSON, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Columbia | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,200 | 245,298 |
| Median household income | $64,488 | $74,717 |
| Median age | 29.2 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.1% | 16.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.48 | 3.04 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 15.3% higher in Garland than Columbia.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Garland MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Missouri 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Garland average 94Β°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.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Garland, TX from Columbia, MO?
The driving distance is 574 mi and the route typically takes 10h 54m via US 69 and I 44. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Garland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 574 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Garland more expensive than Columbia?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Garland is 15.3% higher than Columbia (103.09 vs 89.438, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Garland compare to Columbia?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Garland MSA vs $44,410 in the Columbia MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 97,940 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Columbia vs Garland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $74,717 in Garland vs $64,488 in Columbia β a 15.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Garland compared to Columbia?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $286,805 in Garland vs $321,091 in Columbia β a 10.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Columbia.
City profiles: Columbia, MO Β· Garland, TX.