Moving from Pearland, TX to Waco, TX
Relocating between Pearland, TX and Waco, TX is a 205 mi drive β 3h 57m 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.
205 mi Β· 3h 57m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | TX 6, US 190, US 290 |
| Major cities en route | College Station, Houston, Sugar Land, Pasadena, League City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Pearland | Waco | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.629 | 92.55 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.288 | 80.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.639 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 104.51 | 83.531 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 6.2% moving from Pearland to Waco β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $382,157 in Pearland to $194,245 in Waco, a 6.2% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Pearland -0.8%, Waco -2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Pearland | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 46Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 53.3" | 37.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 71.3Β°F vs 66.6Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Waco sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HOUSTON CLOVER FLD, TX US, WACO DAM, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pearland | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,983 | 141,925 |
| Median household income | $112,470 | $51,468 |
| Median age | 36.5 | 29.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.6% | 17.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.89 | 2.68 |
Expect median household income to fall 6.2% β $112,470 β $51,468 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Waco MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 16,230 | $37,850 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 11,590 | $27,240 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 10,990 | $34,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 10,750 | $35,750 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 10,020 | $58,350 |
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 Waco average 95Β°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
Is Waco more expensive than Pearland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Waco is 6.2% lower than Pearland (92.55 vs 98.629, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Waco, TX from Pearland, TX?
The driving distance is 205 mi and the route typically takes 3h 57m via TX 6 and US 190. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Pearland vs Waco?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,468 in Waco vs $112,470 in Pearland β a 54.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Waco compared to Pearland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $194,245 in Waco vs $382,157 in Pearland β a 49.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Waco compare to Pearland?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,030 in the Waco MSA vs $46,960 in the Pearland MSA, on total employment of 125,640 and 3,179,460 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Pearland to Waco?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 205 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 Pearland.
City profiles: Pearland, TX Β· Waco, TX.