Moving from Lubbock, TX to Abilene, TX
The 164 mi from Lubbock to Abilene translate to about 2h 55m 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.
164 mi · 2h 55m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 84, TX 207, SPUR 575 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lubbock | Abilene | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.317 | 90.364 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.768 | 81.162 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.357 | 73.791 | 100.0 |
Abilene and Lubbock are close on the overall BEA RPP (91.317 vs 90.364); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values are comparable between the two cities on the latest Zillow ZHVI.
YoY change: Lubbock +0.8%, Abilene +5.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Lubbock | Abilene |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62°F | 66°F |
| January avg low | 30°F | 34°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 96°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | 3.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 19.4" | 25.2" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 61.8°F vs 65.9°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Expect 3.7 in of snow annually at the destination — manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LUBBOCK WFO, TX US, ABILENE RGNL AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lubbock | Abilene |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 261,078 | 127,130 |
| Median household income | $60,487 | $62,720 |
| Median age | 30.4 | 32.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.8% | 17.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.48 | 2.72 |
Household income lines up — $60,487 vs $62,720 on ACS 5-year 2023.
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
How far is Abilene, TX from Lubbock, TX?
The driving distance is 164 mi and the route typically takes 2h 55m via US 84 and TX 207. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Abilene more expensive than Lubbock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Abilene is 1.0% lower than Lubbock (90.364 vs 91.317, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Lubbock vs Abilene?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,720 in Abilene vs $60,487 in Lubbock — a 3.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Abilene compared to Lubbock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $210,016 in Abilene vs $209,436 in Lubbock — a 0.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Lubbock 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 164 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Abilene compare to Lubbock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $38,680 in the Abilene MSA vs $37,640 in the Lubbock MSA, on total employment of 72,780 and 150,730 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 Lubbock.
City profiles: Lubbock, TX · Abilene, TX.