Moving from Round Rock, TX to Huntington Beach, CA
A move from Round Rock, TX to Huntington Beach, CA covers 1394 mi and around 24h 12m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1394 mi · 24h 12m by car · CA → AZ → NM → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | CA → AZ → NM → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 180, US 290 |
| Major cities en route | Long Beach, Garden Grove, Torrance, Downey, Inglewood |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Round Rock | Huntington Beach | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.066 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.044 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.361 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 98.066 in Round Rock to 113.566 in Huntington Beach, a 15.8% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Huntington Beach: 15.8% above Round Rock on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Round Rock -5.9%, Huntington Beach +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Round Rock | Huntington Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 124,288 | 196,010 |
| Median household income | $97,187 | $119,885 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 43.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.1% | 29.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.66 | 2.53 |
Median household income in Huntington Beach is 15.8% above Round Rock ($97,187 vs $119,885, ACS 5-year 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 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
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 — 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
Is Huntington Beach more expensive than Round Rock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Huntington Beach is 15.8% higher than Round Rock (113.566 vs 98.066, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Huntington Beach, CA from Round Rock, TX?
The driving distance is 1394 mi and the route typically takes 24h 12m via I 10 and US 180. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Huntington Beach compare to Round Rock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Huntington Beach MSA vs $50,070 in the Round Rock MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 1,235,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Round Rock to Huntington Beach?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1394 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Round Rock vs Huntington Beach?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $119,885 in Huntington Beach vs $97,187 in Round Rock — a 23.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Huntington Beach compared to Round Rock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,366,658 in Huntington Beach vs $407,077 in Round Rock — a 235.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Round Rock.
City profiles: Round Rock, TX · Huntington Beach, CA.