Moving from Hampton, VA to Hayward, CA
Moving from Hampton, VA to Hayward, CA is a 2972 mi cross-country relocation β about 52h 29m of driving through 11 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.
2972 mi Β· 52h 29m by car Β· CA β NV β UT β WY β NE β MO β IL β IN β KY β WV β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β NV β UT β WY β NE β MO β IL β IN β KY β WV β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 64, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | San Jose, Fremont, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, San Mateo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Hampton | Hayward | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 115.613 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 172.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 108.465 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 194.718 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Hayward is 18.0% higher than Hampton, 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 18.0% above Hampton β $275,341 vs $848,427 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Hampton -0.3%, Hayward -6.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Hampton | Hayward |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 32Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 75Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 47.8" | 16.0" |
Annual average temperatures in Hampton (59.8Β°F) and Hayward (59.7Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LANGLEY AFB, VA US, HAYWARD AIR TERMINAL, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Hampton | Hayward |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 137,334 | 159,201 |
| Median household income | $67,758 | $113,775 |
| Median age | 36.5 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.1% | 23.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 3.22 |
Median household income in Hayward is 18.0% above Hampton ($67,758 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 Virginia 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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- 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 much do homes cost in Hayward compared to Hampton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $848,427 in Hayward vs $275,341 in Hampton β a 208.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Hampton vs Hayward?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,775 in Hayward vs $67,758 in Hampton β a 67.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Hayward, CA from Hampton, VA?
The driving distance is 2972 mi and the route typically takes 52h 29m via I 80 and I 64. The trip crosses 11 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Hayward compare to Hampton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $72,050 in the Hayward MSA vs $46,990 in the Hampton MSA, on total employment of 2,422,210 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Hayward more expensive than Hampton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Hayward is 18.0% higher than Hampton (115.613 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Hampton to Hayward?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2972 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Hampton.
City profiles: Hampton, VA Β· Hayward, CA.