Moving from Waco, TX to Miami Gardens, FL
The drive from Waco, TX to Miami Gardens, FL runs 1344 mi β about 24h 35m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1344 mi Β· 24h 35m by car Β· TX β LA β MS β AL β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β LA β MS β AL β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 90, US 69 |
| Major cities en route | College Station, Houston, Pasadena, Beaumont, New Orleans |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Waco | Miami Gardens | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.55 | 114.155 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.967 | 97.235 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 103.556 | 100.0 |
| Services | 83.531 | 155.551 | 100.0 |
Major COL jump: 23.3% higher overall in Miami Gardens vs Waco on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Miami Gardens: 23.3% above Waco on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Waco -2.3%, Miami Gardens -2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Waco | Miami Gardens |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 76Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 59Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.5" | 68.3" |
Climate warms by 9.4Β°F on the annual average β 66.6Β°F β 76.0Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WACO DAM, TX US, N MIAMI BEACH #2, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Waco | Miami Gardens |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,925 | 111,264 |
| Median household income | $51,468 | $60,979 |
| Median age | 29.2 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.4% | 11.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 3.22 |
Income steps up 23.3%: $51,468 in Waco vs $60,979 in Miami Gardens.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Miami Gardens MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 393,730 | $41,640 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 306,440 | $37,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 261,940 | $30,720 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 239,610 | $37,610 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 194,910 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Florida
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Florida'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Pack rain gear on top: Miami Gardens averages 68.3 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) during unpack.
- 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 Florida after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Miami Gardens more expensive than Waco?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Miami Gardens is 23.3% higher than Waco (114.155 vs 92.55, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Miami Gardens, FL from Waco, TX?
The driving distance is 1344 mi and the route typically takes 24h 35m via I 10 and US 90. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Waco vs Miami Gardens?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,979 in Miami Gardens vs $51,468 in Waco β a 18.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Waco to Miami Gardens?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1344 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 Miami Gardens compared to Waco?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $469,434 in Miami Gardens vs $194,245 in Waco β a 141.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Miami Gardens compare to Waco?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Miami Gardens MSA vs $41,030 in the Waco MSA, on total employment of 2,721,490 and 125,640 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Waco.
City profiles: Waco, TX Β· Miami Gardens, FL.