Moving from Waco, TX to Cleveland, OH
It is 1279 mi between Waco and Cleveland β roughly 23h 5m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1279 mi Β· 23h 5m by car Β· OH β KY β TN β AR β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β KY β TN β AR β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 71, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Akron, Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati, Memphis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Waco | Cleveland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.55 | 93.923 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.967 | 95.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 83.531 | 79.434 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 92.55 vs 93.923 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 1.5% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $194,245 to $115,537 moving to Cleveland.
YoY change: Waco -2.3%, Cleveland -1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Waco | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 24Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.5" | 33.3" |
Annual temperature drops 14.3Β°F moving to Cleveland per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WACO DAM, TX US, CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Waco | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,925 | 367,523 |
| Median household income | $51,468 | $39,187 |
| Median age | 29.2 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.4% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.18 |
Cleveland households earn about 1.5% less than Waco at the median β $51,468 β $39,187 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (14.3Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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.
- Register to vote in Ohio after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Waco vs Cleveland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $39,187 in Cleveland vs $51,468 in Waco β a 23.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Cleveland, OH from Waco, TX?
The driving distance is 1279 mi and the route typically takes 23h 5m via I 40 and I 71. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Waco to Cleveland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1279 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Cleveland more expensive than Waco?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cleveland is 1.5% higher than Waco (93.923 vs 92.55, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Cleveland compared to Waco?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $115,537 in Cleveland vs $194,245 in Waco β a 40.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Waco.
City profiles: Waco, TX Β· Cleveland, OH.