Moving from Dallas, TX to Laredo, TX
The 429 mi from Dallas to Laredo translate to about 7h 35m 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.
429 mi · 7h 35m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 35E, US 290 |
| Major cities en route | Plano, Garland, Frisco, Mckinney, Mesquite |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Dallas | Laredo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 86.956 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 80.614 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 59.746 | 100.0 |
Laredo is 15.7% cheaper than Dallas overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Laredo is 15.7% below Dallas — $309,421 vs $220,331 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Dallas -3.6%, Laredo +2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Dallas | Laredo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68°F | 75°F |
| January avg low | 38°F | 47°F |
| July avg high | 97°F | 100°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.7" | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.3" | 19.7" |
Climate warms by 7.0°F on the annual average — 68.0°F → 75.0°F.
Laredo 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: DALLAS LOVE FLD, TX US, LAREDO 2, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Dallas | Laredo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,299,553 | 255,949 |
| Median household income | $67,760 | $63,264 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 29.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.9% | 15.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 3.36 |
Income steps down 15.7%: $67,760 in Dallas vs $63,264 in Laredo.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Laredo MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 15,810 | $34,040 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 15,300 | $35,870 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 10,740 | $23,180 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 9,360 | $28,410 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 9,330 | $22,560 |
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 Laredo average 100°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
What is the climate difference between Dallas and Laredo?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 75.0°F in Laredo vs 68.0°F in Dallas (7.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.1 in vs 1.7 in. Annual precipitation: 19.7 in vs 38.3 in.
How far is Laredo, TX from Dallas, TX?
The driving distance is 429 mi and the route typically takes 7h 35m via I 35 and I 35E. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Laredo compared to Dallas?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $220,331 in Laredo vs $309,421 in Dallas — a 28.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Laredo more expensive than Dallas?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Laredo is 15.7% lower than Dallas (86.956 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Dallas vs Laredo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,264 in Laredo vs $67,760 in Dallas — a 6.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Dallas to Laredo?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 429 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Laredo compare to Dallas?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $35,220 in the Laredo MSA vs $48,440 in the Dallas MSA, on total employment of 104,610 and 3,966,500 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 Dallas.
City profiles: Dallas, TX · Laredo, TX.