Moving from Warren, MI to Waco, TX
Relocating 1290 mi from Warren to Waco is a 23h 21m drive through 7 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1290 mi Β· 23h 21m by car Β· TX β AR β MO β IL β IN β OH β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β AR β MO β IL β IN β OH β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 30, I 57, US 67 |
| Major cities en route | Arlington, Grand Prairie, Irving, Dallas, Carrollton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Warren | Waco | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.298 | 92.55 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.988 | 80.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 98.817 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 94.69 | 83.531 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 7.7% moving from Warren to Waco β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI for Waco ($194,245) sits close to Warren ($196,785) β no material housing gap.
YoY change: Warren +2.3%, Waco -2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Warren | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 29.9" | 37.5" |
Annual average temperature jumps 16.1Β°F β 50.5Β°F in Warren vs 66.6Β°F in Waco, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Waco sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DETROIT CITY AP, MI US, WACO DAM, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Warren | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 138,128 | 141,925 |
| Median household income | $63,741 | $51,468 |
| Median age | 37.9 | 29.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.5% | 17.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.55 | 2.68 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 7.7% lower in Waco than Warren.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Waco MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 16,230 | $37,850 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 11,590 | $27,240 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 10,990 | $34,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 10,750 | $35,750 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 10,020 | $58,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Michigan and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Waco average 95Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (16.1Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Warren vs Waco?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,468 in Waco vs $63,741 in Warren β a 19.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Waco compare to Warren?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,030 in the Waco MSA vs $48,950 in the Warren MSA, on total employment of 125,640 and 1,900,180 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Warren to Waco?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1290 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Waco more expensive than Warren?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Waco is 7.7% lower than Warren (92.55 vs 100.298, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Waco, TX from Warren, MI?
The driving distance is 1290 mi and the route typically takes 23h 21m via I 30 and I 57. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Waco compared to Warren?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $194,245 in Waco vs $196,785 in Warren β a 1.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Warren.
City profiles: Warren, MI Β· Waco, TX.