Moving from Midland, TX to Downey, CA
Relocating 1108 mi from Midland to Downey is a 19h 9m drive through 4 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.
1108 mi Β· 19h 9m 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 20, TX 349 |
| Major cities en route | Odessa, El Paso, Las Cruces, Tucson, Chandler |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Midland | Downey | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.783 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.24 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 101.497 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 18.6% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 18.6% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $328,325 to $888,710 moving to Downey.
YoY change: Midland +2.7%, Downey +1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Midland | Downey |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 47Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 13.6" | 12.0" |
Annual average temperatures in Midland (65.0Β°F) and Downey (64.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MIDLAND 4 ENE, TX US, LONG BEACH DAUGHERTY FLD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Midland | Downey |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 133,998 | 111,793 |
| Median household income | $91,169 | $87,400 |
| Median age | 31.6 | 37 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.9% | 17.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.54 | 3.22 |
Median household incomes in Midland ($91,169) and Downey ($87,400) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Downey 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 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
- Dry climate: Downey sees only 12.0 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 Downey, CA from Midland, TX?
The driving distance is 1108 mi and the route typically takes 19h 9m via I 10 and I 20. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Downey compare to Midland?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Downey MSA vs $50,470 in the Midland MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 114,810 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Downey more expensive than Midland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Downey is 18.6% higher than Midland (113.566 vs 95.783, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Midland to Downey?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1108 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 Downey compared to Midland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $888,710 in Downey vs $328,325 in Midland β a 170.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Midland vs Downey?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $87,400 in Downey vs $91,169 in Midland β a 4.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Midland.
City profiles: Midland, TX Β· Downey, CA.