Moving from Midland, TX to Denton, TX
It is a 336 mi drive, roughly 5h 55m, between Midland, TX and Denton, TX. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
336 mi Β· 5h 55m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, I 35W, I 820 |
| Major cities en route | Plano, Frisco, Mckinney, Allen, Lewisville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Midland | Denton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.783 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.24 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 101.497 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Denton runs about 7.6% more expensive overall than Midland β RPP 95.783 β 103.09.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Denton run about 7.6% pricier β ZHVI $328,325 β $354,135 (2026-03).
YoY change: Midland +2.7%, Denton -4.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Midland | Denton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 13.6" | 38.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 65.0Β°F vs 65.4Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MIDLAND 4 ENE, TX US, DENTON 2 SE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Midland | Denton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 133,998 | 146,987 |
| Median household income | $91,169 | $73,719 |
| Median age | 31.6 | 31 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.9% | 25.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.54 | 2.72 |
Households in Denton earn about 7.6% less at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Denton MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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 Denton average 96Β°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 does household income compare in Midland vs Denton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $73,719 in Denton vs $91,169 in Midland β a 19.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Denton, TX from Midland, TX?
The driving distance is 336 mi and the route typically takes 5h 55m via I 20 and I 35W. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Denton compared to Midland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $354,135 in Denton vs $328,325 in Midland β a 7.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Denton more expensive than Midland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Denton is 7.6% higher than Midland (103.09 vs 95.783, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Denton compare to Midland?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Denton MSA vs $50,470 in the Midland MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 114,810 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Midland to Denton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 336 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β 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 Midland.
City profiles: Midland, TX Β· Denton, TX.