Moving from Hampton, VA to Waco, TX
A move from Hampton, VA to Waco, TX covers 1454 mi and around 26h 8m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1454 mi · 26h 8m by car · TX → AR → TN → VA
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → AR → TN → VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 30, I 81 |
| Major cities en route | Grand Prairie, Arlington, Irving, Dallas, Carrollton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Hampton | Waco | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 92.55 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 80.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 83.531 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 97.941 to 92.55, putting Waco roughly 5.5% below Hampton on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Waco: 5.5% below Hampton on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Hampton -0.3%, Waco -2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Hampton | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60°F | 67°F |
| January avg low | 32°F | 36°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 95°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.8" | 37.5" |
Waco runs 6.8°F warmer on the annual average (59.8°F vs 66.6°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Effectively snow-free year in Waco — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LANGLEY AFB, VA US, WACO DAM, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Hampton | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 137,334 | 141,925 |
| Median household income | $67,758 | $51,468 |
| Median age | 36.5 | 29.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.1% | 17.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.68 |
Median household income in Waco is 5.5% below Hampton ($67,758 vs $51,468, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Waco MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 16,230 | $37,850 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 11,590 | $27,240 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 10,990 | $34,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 10,750 | $35,750 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 10,020 | $58,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Virginia 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Waco average 95°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
What is the climate difference between Hampton and Waco?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.6°F in Waco vs 59.8°F in Hampton (6.8°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 2.7 in. Annual precipitation: 37.5 in vs 47.8 in.
Is Waco more expensive than Hampton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Waco is 5.5% lower than Hampton (92.55 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Waco, TX from Hampton, VA?
The driving distance is 1454 mi and the route typically takes 26h 8m via I 40 and I 30. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Waco compare to Hampton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,030 in the Waco MSA vs $46,990 in the Hampton MSA, on total employment of 125,640 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Hampton vs Waco?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,468 in Waco vs $67,758 in Hampton — a 24.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Hampton to Waco?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1454 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Waco compared to Hampton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $194,245 in Waco vs $275,341 in Hampton — a 29.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Hampton.
City profiles: Hampton, VA · Waco, TX.