Moving from El Paso, TX to Abilene, TX
Relocating between El Paso, TX and Abilene, TX is a 455 mi drive — 7h 37m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
455 mi · 7h 37m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, I 10, US 180 |
| Major cities en route | Odessa, Midland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| El Paso | Abilene | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.912 | 90.364 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.585 | 81.162 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.248 | 73.791 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 89.912 vs 90.364 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 0.5% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: El Paso +1.4%, Abilene +5.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | El Paso | Abilene |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66°F | 66°F |
| January avg low | 35°F | 34°F |
| July avg high | 96°F | 96°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.8" | 3.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.8" | 25.2" |
Annual average temperatures in El Paso (66.2°F) and Abilene (65.9°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Abilene averages 3.7 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: EL PASO INTL AP, TX US, ABILENE RGNL AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | El Paso | Abilene |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 678,147 | 127,130 |
| Median household income | $58,734 | $62,720 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 32.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.3% | 17.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.8 | 2.72 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.5% higher in Abilene than El Paso.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Abilene MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 10,850 | $37,990 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 7,210 | $26,270 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 6,750 | $29,820 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 5,560 | $73,610 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 5,460 | $35,350 |
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 Abilene average 96°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 Abilene more expensive than El Paso?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Abilene is 0.5% higher than El Paso (90.364 vs 89.912, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from El Paso to Abilene?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 455 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Abilene compared to El Paso?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $210,016 in Abilene vs $234,775 in El Paso — a 10.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between El Paso and Abilene?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 65.9°F in Abilene vs 66.2°F in El Paso (0.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 3.7 in vs 2.8 in. Annual precipitation: 25.2 in vs 8.8 in.
How does household income compare in El Paso vs Abilene?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,720 in Abilene vs $58,734 in El Paso — a 6.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Abilene, TX from El Paso, TX?
The driving distance is 455 mi and the route typically takes 7h 37m via I 20 and I 10. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Abilene compare to El Paso?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $38,680 in the Abilene MSA vs $36,000 in the El Paso MSA, on total employment of 72,780 and 323,310 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 El Paso.
City profiles: El Paso, TX · Abilene, TX.