Moving from Odessa, TX to Lubbock, TX
It is a 136 mi drive, roughly 2h 26m, between Odessa, TX and Lubbock, TX. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate — not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
136 mi · 2h 26m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 87, TX 349, TX 191 |
| Major cities en route | Midland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Odessa | Lubbock | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.896 | 91.317 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.86 | 82.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 89.709 | 76.357 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 93.896 vs 91.317 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 2.7% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Odessa +5.6%, Lubbock +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Odessa | Lubbock |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64°F | 62°F |
| January avg low | 32°F | 30°F |
| July avg high | 94°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.9" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 12.3" | 19.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Odessa (64.4°F) and Lubbock (61.8°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ODESSA, TX US, LUBBOCK WFO, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Odessa | Lubbock |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,080 | 261,078 |
| Median household income | $73,030 | $60,487 |
| Median age | 31 | 30.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.6% | 20.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.54 | 2.48 |
Households in Lubbock earn about 2.7% less at the median — ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Lubbock MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 20,380 | $36,350 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 18,440 | $26,700 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 14,850 | $30,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 13,440 | $35,210 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 11,550 | $59,240 |
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 Lubbock average 93°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 Lubbock, TX from Odessa, TX?
The driving distance is 136 mi and the route typically takes 2h 26m via US 87 and TX 349. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Odessa to Lubbock?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 136 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Lubbock compare to Odessa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $37,640 in the Lubbock MSA vs $45,830 in the Odessa MSA, on total employment of 150,730 and 76,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Lubbock more expensive than Odessa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lubbock is 2.7% lower than Odessa (91.317 vs 93.896, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Lubbock compared to Odessa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $209,436 in Lubbock vs $251,239 in Odessa — a 16.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Odessa vs Lubbock?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,487 in Lubbock vs $73,030 in Odessa — a 17.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Odessa.
City profiles: Odessa, TX · Lubbock, TX.