Moving from Gilbert, AZ to Huntington Beach, CA
The 397 mi from Gilbert to Huntington Beach translate to about 7h 22m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β 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.
397 mi Β· 7h 22m by car Β· AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 95, CA 91 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Gilbert | Huntington Beach | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Huntington Beach is 9.9% higher than Gilbert, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Huntington Beach is 9.9% above Gilbert β $572,507 vs $1,366,658 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Gilbert -1.2%, Huntington Beach +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Gilbert | Huntington Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 49Β°F |
| July avg high | 104Β°F | 79Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 11.2" |
Climate cools by 6.5Β°F on the annual average β 71.4Β°F β 64.9Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHANDLER HEIGHTS, AZ US, SANTA ANA JOHN WAYNE AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Gilbert | Huntington Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 271,118 | 196,010 |
| Median household income | $121,351 | $119,885 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 43.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.7% | 29.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.53 |
Median household incomes in Gilbert ($121,351) and Huntington Beach ($119,885) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Huntington Beach 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 Arizona 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
- 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
- Dry climate: Huntington Beach sees only 11.2 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 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 Huntington Beach, CA from Gilbert, AZ?
The driving distance is 397 mi and the route typically takes 7h 22m via I 10 and US 95. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Gilbert to Huntington Beach?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 397 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Huntington Beach more expensive than Gilbert?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Huntington Beach is 9.9% higher than Gilbert (113.566 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Huntington Beach compare to Gilbert?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Huntington Beach MSA vs $48,600 in the Gilbert MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Gilbert vs Huntington Beach?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $119,885 in Huntington Beach vs $121,351 in Gilbert β a 1.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Huntington Beach compared to Gilbert?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,366,658 in Huntington Beach vs $572,507 in Gilbert β a 138.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Gilbert.
City profiles: Gilbert, AZ Β· Huntington Beach, CA.