Moving from Waco, TX to Houston, TX
The 183 mi from Waco to Houston translate to about 3h 34m 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.
183 mi · 3h 34m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | TX 6, TX 249 TOLL, TX 249 |
| Major cities en route | Pasadena, League City, Pearland, Sugar Land, College Station |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Waco | Houston | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.55 | 98.629 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.967 | 95.288 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 100.639 | 100.0 |
| Services | 83.531 | 104.51 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 92.55 in Waco to 98.629 in Houston, a 6.6% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Houston: 6.6% above Waco on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Waco -2.3%, Houston -2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Waco | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67°F | 71°F |
| January avg low | 36°F | 44°F |
| July avg high | 95°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.5" | 54.1" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Effectively snow-free year in Houston — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WACO DAM, TX US, HOUSTON-PORT, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Waco | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,925 | 2,300,419 |
| Median household income | $51,468 | $62,894 |
| Median age | 29.2 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.4% | 21.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.51 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 6.6% between Waco and Houston (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Houston MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 387,430 | $41,570 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 305,780 | $39,450 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 288,170 | $27,490 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 269,160 | $35,450 |
| Management Occupations | 268,670 | $109,460 |
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 Houston average 93°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Houston averages 54.1 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 Houston, TX from Waco, TX?
The driving distance is 183 mi and the route typically takes 3h 34m via TX 6 and TX 249 TOLL. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Waco and Houston?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 70.6°F in Houston vs 66.6°F in Waco (4.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 54.1 in vs 37.5 in.
How much do homes cost in Houston compared to Waco?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $264,336 in Houston vs $194,245 in Waco — a 36.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Waco vs Houston?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,894 in Houston vs $51,468 in Waco — a 22.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Houston more expensive than Waco?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Houston is 6.6% higher than Waco (98.629 vs 92.55, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Houston compare to Waco?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,960 in the Houston MSA vs $41,030 in the Waco MSA, on total employment of 3,179,460 and 125,640 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Waco to Houston?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 183 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — 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 Waco.
City profiles: Waco, TX · Houston, TX.