Moving from Richardson, TX to Carlsbad, CA
Relocating 1395 mi from Richardson to Carlsbad is a 23h 58m 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.
1395 mi Β· 23h 58m 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, I 8 |
| Major cities en route | Plano, Garland, Frisco, Mckinney, Allen |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Richardson | Carlsbad | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 111.887 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 174.247 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 107.963 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 179.267 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 8.5% above Richardson β 103.09 β 111.887 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
8.5% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Richardson -2.4%, Carlsbad -3.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Richardson | Carlsbad |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 48Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 74Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.9" | 11.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RICHARDSON, TX US, CARLSBAD PALOMAR AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Richardson | Carlsbad |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,269 | 114,500 |
| Median household income | $96,257 | $139,326 |
| Median age | 34 | 42.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.1% | 36.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.6 |
Expect median household income to rise 8.5% β $96,257 β $139,326 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Carlsbad MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 166,920 | $48,270 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 155,650 | $35,470 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 123,300 | $38,790 |
| Management Occupations | 114,190 | $134,250 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 112,110 | $83,560 |
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: Carlsbad sees only 11.4 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 much do homes cost in Carlsbad compared to Richardson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,370,649 in Carlsbad vs $440,400 in Richardson β a 211.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Carlsbad more expensive than Richardson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Carlsbad is 8.5% higher than Richardson (111.887 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Richardson vs Carlsbad?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $139,326 in Carlsbad vs $96,257 in Richardson β a 44.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Carlsbad, CA from Richardson, TX?
The driving distance is 1395 mi and the route typically takes 23h 58m 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 Carlsbad compare to Richardson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $53,090 in the Carlsbad MSA vs $48,440 in the Richardson MSA, on total employment of 1,522,620 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Richardson to Carlsbad?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1395 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 Richardson.
City profiles: Richardson, TX Β· Carlsbad, CA.