Moving from Austin, TX to Hayward, CA
Moving from Austin, TX to Hayward, CA is a 1737 mi cross-country relocation β about 30h 22m of driving through 4 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1737 mi Β· 30h 22m by car Β· TX β NM β AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β NM β AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 5, US 290 |
| Major cities en route | Round Rock, El Paso, Las Cruces, Tucson, Chandler |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Austin | Hayward | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.066 | 115.613 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.044 | 172.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 108.465 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.361 | 194.718 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Hayward is 17.9% higher than Austin, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Hayward is 17.9% above Austin β $508,530 vs $848,427 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Austin -5.7%, Hayward -6.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Austin | Hayward |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 42Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 97Β°F | 75Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 36.3" | 16.0" |
Hayward is 10.3Β°F cooler on the annual average (70.0Β°F vs 59.7Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AUSTIN-CAMP MABRY, TX US, HAYWARD AIR TERMINAL, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Austin | Hayward |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 967,862 | 159,201 |
| Median household income | $91,461 | $113,775 |
| Median age | 34.5 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 36.2% | 23.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.2 | 3.22 |
Median household income in Hayward is 17.9% above Austin ($91,461 vs $113,775, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Hayward MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 244,380 | $59,630 |
| Management Occupations | 237,070 | $171,350 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 211,250 | $104,950 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 194,040 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 183,930 | $49,390 |
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 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
- 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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.3Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β 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
How far is Hayward, CA from Austin, TX?
The driving distance is 1737 mi and the route typically takes 30h 22m via I 10 and I 5. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Hayward more expensive than Austin?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Hayward is 17.9% higher than Austin (115.613 vs 98.066, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Austin to Hayward?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1737 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 Hayward compared to Austin?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $848,427 in Hayward vs $508,530 in Austin β a 66.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Austin vs Hayward?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,775 in Hayward vs $91,461 in Austin β a 24.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Hayward compare to Austin?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $72,050 in the Hayward MSA vs $50,070 in the Austin MSA, on total employment of 2,422,210 and 1,235,440 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 Austin.
City profiles: Austin, TX Β· Hayward, CA.