Moving from Waco, TX to Garland, TX
It is a 117 mi drive, roughly 2h 14m, between Waco, TX and Garland, TX. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
117 mi Β· 2h 14m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35E, I 635, FM 3051 |
| Major cities en route | Plano, Frisco, Mckinney, Carrollton, Lewisville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Waco | Garland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.55 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.967 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 83.531 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Garland runs about 11.4% more expensive overall than Waco β RPP 92.55 β 103.09.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $194,245 in Waco to $286,805 in Garland, a 11.4% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Waco -2.3%, Garland -5.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Waco | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.5" | 41.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 66.6Β°F vs 65.8Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WACO DAM, TX US, RICHARDSON, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Waco | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,925 | 245,298 |
| Median household income | $51,468 | $74,717 |
| Median age | 29.2 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.4% | 16.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 3.04 |
Garland households earn about 11.4% more than Waco at the median β $51,468 β $74,717 on ACS 2023.
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 Waco, TX?
The driving distance is 117 mi and the route typically takes 2h 14m via I 35E and I 635. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Waco to Garland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 117 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Garland compared to Waco?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $286,805 in Garland vs $194,245 in Waco β a 47.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Garland compare to Waco?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Garland MSA vs $41,030 in the Waco MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 125,640 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Waco vs Garland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $74,717 in Garland vs $51,468 in Waco β a 45.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Garland more expensive than Waco?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Garland is 11.4% higher than Waco (103.09 vs 92.55, 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 Waco.
City profiles: Waco, TX Β· Garland, TX.