Moving from Tyler, TX to College Station, TX
The 161 mi from Tyler to College Station translate to about 3h 7m 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.
161 mi · 3h 7m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | TX 155, US 79, US 190 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tyler | College Station | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.156 | 90.951 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.904 | 84.39 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.911 | 75.088 | 100.0 |
College Station and Tyler are close on the overall BEA RPP (92.156 vs 90.951); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: College Station typical home at $349,041 is 1.3% above Tyler at $251,563 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Tyler -1.0%, College Station +0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Tyler | College Station |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67°F | 69°F |
| January avg low | 39°F | 41°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 95°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | — |
| Annual precipitation | 47.7" | 41.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 66.5°F vs 69.4°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: TYLER, TX US, COLLEGE STN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tyler | College Station |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,718 | 122,280 |
| Median household income | $65,527 | $51,776 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 22.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.4% | 29.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.86 | 2.74 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 1.3% between Tyler and College Station (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in College Station MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 16,920 | $37,150 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 14,880 | $27,430 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 14,280 | $63,400 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 10,460 | $76,630 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 9,930 | $31,090 |
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 College Station average 95°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 College Station more expensive than Tyler?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in College Station is 1.3% lower than Tyler (90.951 vs 92.156, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in College Station compared to Tyler?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $349,041 in College Station vs $251,563 in Tyler — a 38.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in College Station compare to Tyler?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,710 in the College Station MSA vs $39,080 in the Tyler MSA, on total employment of 128,840 and 111,520 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is College Station, TX from Tyler, TX?
The driving distance is 161 mi and the route typically takes 3h 7m via TX 155 and US 79. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Tyler to College Station?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 161 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Tyler vs College Station?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,776 in College Station vs $65,527 in Tyler — a 21.0% 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 Tyler.
City profiles: Tyler, TX · College Station, TX.