Moving from Waco, TX to Tyler, TX
The 136 mi from Waco to Tyler translate to about 2h 43m 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.
136 mi · 2h 43m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | TX 31, LOOP 7, US 84 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Waco | Tyler | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.55 | 92.156 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.967 | 82.904 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 83.531 | 79.911 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Tyler and Waco is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Tyler is 0.4% above Waco — $194,245 vs $251,563 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Waco -2.3%, Tyler -1.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Waco | Tyler |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67°F | 67°F |
| January avg low | 36°F | 39°F |
| July avg high | 95°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 37.5" | 47.7" |
Annual average temperatures in Waco (66.6°F) and Tyler (66.5°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WACO DAM, TX US, TYLER, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Waco | Tyler |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,925 | 107,718 |
| Median household income | $51,468 | $65,527 |
| Median age | 29.2 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.4% | 20.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.86 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 0.4% between Waco and Tyler (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tyler MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 12,210 | $37,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 11,080 | $38,150 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 10,660 | $71,810 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 10,430 | $26,300 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 10,210 | $30,020 |
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 Tyler average 93°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 does the job market in Tyler compare to Waco?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,080 in the Tyler MSA vs $41,030 in the Waco MSA, on total employment of 111,520 and 125,640 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Tyler compared to Waco?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $251,563 in Tyler vs $194,245 in Waco — a 29.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Tyler, TX from Waco, TX?
The driving distance is 136 mi and the route typically takes 2h 43m via TX 31 and LOOP 7. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Waco to Tyler?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 136 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Tyler more expensive than Waco?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tyler is 0.4% lower than Waco (92.156 vs 92.55, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Waco vs Tyler?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,527 in Tyler vs $51,468 in Waco — a 27.3% higher 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 Waco.