Moving from Abilene, TX to West Covina, CA
A move from Abilene, TX to West Covina, CA covers 1236 mi and around 21h 14m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1236 mi · 21h 14m by car · TX → NM → AZ → CA
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → NM → AZ → CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 84, I 20 |
| Major cities en route | Midland, Odessa, El Paso, Las Cruces, Tucson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Abilene | West Covina | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.364 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.162 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.791 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
You are looking at a 25.7% pricier overall price level — 90.364 → 113.566 on the latest BEA Regional Price Parities.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: West Covina typical home at $852,373 is 25.7% above Abilene at $210,016 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Abilene +5.2%, West Covina +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Abilene | West Covina |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66°F | 65°F |
| January avg low | 34°F | 43°F |
| July avg high | 96°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.7" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 25.2" | 14.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 65.9°F vs 65.1°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: West Covina sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ABILENE RGNL AP, TX US, POMONA/FAIRPLEX, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Abilene | West Covina |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,130 | 107,436 |
| Median household income | $62,720 | $98,570 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 40.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.6% | 21.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 3.3 |
Median household income in West Covina is 25.7% above Abilene ($62,720 vs $98,570, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in West Covina MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 746,160 | $48,810 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 570,740 | $35,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 516,960 | $40,560 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 494,430 | $39,510 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 461,490 | $33,530 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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.
Winter driving along this route
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in West Covina average 90°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: West Covina sees only 14.5 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October — register for county emergency alerts 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 California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Abilene and West Covina?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 65.1°F in West Covina vs 65.9°F in Abilene (0.8°F colder). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 3.7 in. Annual precipitation: 14.5 in vs 25.2 in.
How does the job market in West Covina compare to Abilene?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the West Covina MSA vs $38,680 in the Abilene MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 72,780 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Abilene vs West Covina?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $98,570 in West Covina vs $62,720 in Abilene — a 57.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is West Covina more expensive than Abilene?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in West Covina is 25.7% higher than Abilene (113.566 vs 90.364, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Abilene to West Covina?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1236 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in West Covina compared to Abilene?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $852,373 in West Covina vs $210,016 in Abilene — a 305.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is West Covina, CA from Abilene, TX?
The driving distance is 1236 mi and the route typically takes 21h 14m via I 10 and US 84. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Abilene.
City profiles: Abilene, TX · West Covina, CA.