Moving from Odessa, TX to Garland, TX
The 368 mi from Odessa to Garland translate to about 6h 26m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β 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.
368 mi Β· 6h 26m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, TX 183 TEXPRESS, I 820 |
| Major cities en route | Mesquite, Richardson, Dallas, Plano, Mckinney |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Odessa | Garland | 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 |
BEA RPP moves from 93.896 in Odessa to 103.09 in Garland, a 9.8% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing step-up: Garland at $286,805 is 9.8% above Odessa at $251,239.
YoY change: Odessa +5.6%, Garland -5.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Odessa | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 32Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 12.3" | 41.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ODESSA, TX US, RICHARDSON, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Odessa | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,080 | 245,298 |
| Median household income | $73,030 | $74,717 |
| Median age | 31 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.6% | 16.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.54 | 3.04 |
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 Garland 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 Garland average 94Β°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 Garland, TX from Odessa, TX?
The driving distance is 368 mi and the route typically takes 6h 26m via I 20 and TX 183 TEXPRESS. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Garland compare to Odessa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Garland 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.
When is the best time to move from Odessa to Garland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 368 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Odessa vs Garland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $74,717 in Garland vs $73,030 in Odessa β a 2.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Garland compared to Odessa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $286,805 in Garland vs $251,239 in Odessa β a 14.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Garland more expensive than Odessa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Garland is 9.8% higher than Odessa (103.09 vs 93.896, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Odessa.
City profiles: Odessa, TX Β· Garland, TX.