Moving from Midland, TX to El Paso, TX
The 310 mi from Midland to El Paso translate to about 5h 12m 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.
310 mi · 5h 12m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 180, I 20 |
| Major cities en route | Odessa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Midland | El Paso | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.783 | 89.912 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.24 | 82.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 101.497 | 71.248 | 100.0 |
El Paso is 6.1% cheaper than Midland overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in El Paso is 6.1% below Midland — $328,325 vs $234,775 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Midland +2.7%, El Paso +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Midland | El Paso |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65°F | 66°F |
| January avg low | 31°F | 35°F |
| July avg high | 95°F | 96°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.9" | 2.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 13.6" | 8.8" |
Annual average temperatures in Midland (65.0°F) and El Paso (66.2°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
El Paso averages 2.8 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MIDLAND 4 ENE, TX US, EL PASO INTL AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Midland | El Paso |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 133,998 | 678,147 |
| Median household income | $91,169 | $58,734 |
| Median age | 31.6 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.9% | 18.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.54 | 2.8 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 6.1% between Midland and El Paso (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in El Paso MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 44,500 | $35,550 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 34,790 | $23,150 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 32,160 | $33,850 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 31,050 | $28,800 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 23,040 | $61,670 |
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 El Paso average 96°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: El Paso sees only 8.8 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 Midland vs El Paso?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,734 in El Paso vs $91,169 in Midland — a 35.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is El Paso, TX from Midland, TX?
The driving distance is 310 mi and the route typically takes 5h 12m via I 10 and US 180. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Midland and El Paso?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.2°F in El Paso vs 65.0°F in Midland (1.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 2.8 in vs 1.9 in. Annual precipitation: 8.8 in vs 13.6 in.
How much do homes cost in El Paso compared to Midland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $234,775 in El Paso vs $328,325 in Midland — a 28.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is El Paso more expensive than Midland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in El Paso is 6.1% lower than Midland (89.912 vs 95.783, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in El Paso compare to Midland?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $36,000 in the El Paso MSA vs $50,470 in the Midland MSA, on total employment of 323,310 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 El Paso?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 310 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 Midland.
City profiles: Midland, TX · El Paso, TX.