Moving from El Paso, TX to Odessa, TX
The 289 mi from El Paso to Odessa translate to about 4h 50m 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.
289 mi · 4h 50m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 180, I 20 |
| Major cities en route | Midland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| El Paso | Odessa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.912 | 93.896 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.585 | 82.86 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.248 | 89.709 | 100.0 |
Odessa and El Paso are close on the overall BEA RPP (89.912 vs 93.896); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 4.4% higher in Odessa than El Paso as of 2026-03.
YoY change: El Paso +1.4%, Odessa +5.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | El Paso | Odessa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66°F | 64°F |
| January avg low | 35°F | 32°F |
| July avg high | 96°F | 94°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.8" | 0.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.8" | 12.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 66.2°F vs 64.4°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Odessa sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: EL PASO INTL AP, TX US, ODESSA, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | El Paso | Odessa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 678,147 | 114,080 |
| Median household income | $58,734 | $73,030 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 31 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.3% | 12.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.8 | 2.54 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 4.4% between El Paso and Odessa (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Odessa MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 9,160 | $44,240 |
| Construction and Extraction Occupations | 8,860 | $46,810 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 8,230 | $41,450 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 7,770 | $28,170 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 7,360 | $36,360 |
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 Odessa average 94°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Odessa sees only 12.3 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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
How does household income compare in El Paso vs Odessa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $73,030 in Odessa vs $58,734 in El Paso — a 24.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Odessa compared to El Paso?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $251,239 in Odessa vs $234,775 in El Paso — a 7.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Odessa more expensive than El Paso?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Odessa is 4.4% higher than El Paso (93.896 vs 89.912, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between El Paso and Odessa?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 64.4°F in Odessa vs 66.2°F in El Paso (1.8°F colder). Annual snowfall: 0.9 in vs 2.8 in. Annual precipitation: 12.3 in vs 8.8 in.
How far is Odessa, TX from El Paso, TX?
The driving distance is 289 mi and the route typically takes 4h 50m via I 10 and US 180. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Odessa compare to El Paso?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,830 in the Odessa MSA vs $36,000 in the El Paso MSA, on total employment of 76,440 and 323,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from El Paso to Odessa?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 289 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from El Paso.
City profiles: El Paso, TX · Odessa, TX.