Moving from Lubbock, TX to Waco, TX
The 355 mi from Lubbock to Waco translate to about 6h 32m 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.
355 mi · 6h 32m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 84, US 183, TX 153 |
| Major cities en route | Killeen |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lubbock | Waco | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.317 | 92.55 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.768 | 80.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.357 | 83.531 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Lubbock (91.317) and Waco (92.55) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Waco ZHVI at $194,245 is 1.4% below Lubbock at $209,436.
YoY change: Lubbock +0.8%, Waco -2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Lubbock | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62°F | 67°F |
| January avg low | 30°F | 36°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 95°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 19.4" | 37.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Effectively snow-free year in Waco — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LUBBOCK WFO, TX US, WACO DAM, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lubbock | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 261,078 | 141,925 |
| Median household income | $60,487 | $51,468 |
| Median age | 30.4 | 29.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.8% | 17.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.48 | 2.68 |
Income steps down 1.4%: $60,487 in Lubbock vs $51,468 in Waco.
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.
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 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.
Frequently asked
How far is Waco, TX from Lubbock, TX?
The driving distance is 355 mi and the route typically takes 6h 32m via US 84 and US 183. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Waco compare to Lubbock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,030 in the Waco MSA vs $37,640 in the Lubbock MSA, on total employment of 125,640 and 150,730 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Lubbock 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 355 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Lubbock vs Waco?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,468 in Waco vs $60,487 in Lubbock — a 14.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Waco more expensive than Lubbock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Waco is 1.4% higher than Lubbock (92.55 vs 91.317, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Waco compared to Lubbock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $194,245 in Waco vs $209,436 in Lubbock — a 7.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lubbock.
City profiles: Lubbock, TX · Waco, TX.