Moving from Odessa, TX to Denton, TX
Relocating between Odessa, TX and Denton, TX is a 353 mi drive β 6h 10m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
353 mi Β· 6h 10m 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
| Odessa | Denton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.896 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.86 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 89.709 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 9.8% above Odessa β 93.896 β 103.09 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
9.8% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Odessa +5.6%, Denton -4.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Odessa | Denton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 32Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 12.3" | 38.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ODESSA, TX US, DENTON 2 SE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Odessa | Denton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,080 | 146,987 |
| Median household income | $73,030 | $73,719 |
| Median age | 31 | 31 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.6% | 25.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.54 | 2.72 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
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 Odessa vs Denton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $73,719 in Denton vs $73,030 in Odessa β a 0.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Denton, TX from Odessa, TX?
The driving distance is 353 mi and the route typically takes 6h 10m 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 Odessa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $354,135 in Denton vs $251,239 in Odessa β a 41.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Denton compare to Odessa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Denton MSA vs $45,830 in the Odessa MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 76,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Denton more expensive than Odessa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Denton is 9.8% higher than Odessa (103.09 vs 93.896, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Odessa to Denton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 353 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 Odessa.
City profiles: Odessa, TX Β· Denton, TX.