Moving from Thousand Oaks, CA to Garland, TX

A move from Thousand Oaks, CA to Garland, TX covers 1476 mi and around 25h 48m 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.

1476 mi Β· 25h 48m by car Β· TX β†’ NM β†’ AZ β†’ CA

COL -6.7% Home values -72.7% Ξ” +3.3Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
1476 mi
Drive time
25h 48m
States
4
Fuel (25 mpg)
59 gal
Route throughTX β†’ NM β†’ AZ β†’ CA
Primary highwaysI 40, US 287, US 81
Major cities en routeDallas, Mesquite, Richardson, Plano, Frisco

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

Thousand OaksGarlandU.S. avg
All items (RPP)110.534103.09100.0
Rents152.92590.711100.0
Goods105.168102.838100.0
Services171.096117.874100.0

Garland is 6.7% cheaper than Thousand Oaks overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Thousand Oaks β€” typical home
$1,049,634
Garland β€” typical home
$286,805
Thousand Oaks β€” typical rent
$3,476/mo
Garland β€” typical rent
$1,559/mo

Typical home value in Garland is 6.7% below Thousand Oaks β€” $1,049,634 vs $286,805 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).

YoY change: Thousand Oaks 0.0%, Garland -5.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsThousand OaksGarland
Annual avg temperature63Β°F66Β°F
January avg low45Β°F36Β°F
July avg high78Β°F94Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”β€”
Annual precipitation12.0"41.9"

Annual average temperatures in Thousand Oaks (62.5Β°F) and Garland (65.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: CAMARILLO AP, CA US, RICHARDSON, TX US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023Thousand OaksGarland
Population125,676245,298
Median household income$134,367$74,717
Median age44.534.7
Bachelor's degree or higher29.5%16.3%
Avg household size2.723.04

Median household income in Garland is 6.7% below Thousand Oaks ($134,367 vs $74,717, ACS 5-year 2023).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Thousand Oaks MSA β€” median wage
$48,380
Garland MSA β€” median wage
$48,440
Thousand Oaks MSA β€” employment
315,720
Garland MSA β€” employment
3,966,500

Top occupations in Garland MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian wage
Office and Administrative Support Occupations 523,660 $44,430
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations 412,270 $39,950
Sales and Related Occupations 368,400 $36,710
Management Occupations 350,940 $117,410
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations 341,240 $29,000

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Moving between California and Texas

California income tax
13.3% top marginal
Texas income tax
no state income tax

State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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 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

  • 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

  • Air conditioning matters: July highs in Garland average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
  • Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
  • 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 Texas after establishing residency.

Frequently asked

When is the best time to move from Thousand Oaks to Garland?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1476 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β€” see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.

How far is Garland, TX from Thousand Oaks, CA?

The driving distance is 1476 mi and the route typically takes 25h 48m via I 40 and US 287. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

How does household income compare in Thousand Oaks vs Garland?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $74,717 in Garland vs $134,367 in Thousand Oaks β€” a 44.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

How does the job market in Garland compare to Thousand Oaks?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Garland MSA vs $48,380 in the Thousand Oaks MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 315,720 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.

Is Garland more expensive than Thousand Oaks?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Garland is 6.7% lower than Thousand Oaks (103.09 vs 110.534, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

How much do homes cost in Garland compared to Thousand Oaks?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $286,805 in Garland vs $1,049,634 in Thousand Oaks β€” a 72.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

Plan the move

Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Thousand Oaks.

City profiles: Thousand Oaks, CA Β· Garland, TX.

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