Moving from Waco, TX to Downey, CA
A move from Waco, TX to Downey, CA covers 1423 mi and around 24h 60m 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.
1423 mi Β· 24h 60m 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, TX 158, US 84 |
| Major cities en route | Killeen, Midland, Odessa, El Paso, Las Cruces |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Waco | Downey | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.55 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.967 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 83.531 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Major COL jump: 22.7% higher overall in Downey vs Waco on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Downey: 22.7% above Waco on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Waco -2.3%, Downey +1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Waco | Downey |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 47Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.5" | 12.0" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WACO DAM, TX US, LONG BEACH DAUGHERTY FLD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Waco | Downey |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,925 | 111,793 |
| Median household income | $51,468 | $87,400 |
| Median age | 29.2 | 37 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.4% | 17.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 3.22 |
Median household income in Downey is 22.7% above Waco ($51,468 vs $87,400, ACS 5-year 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
Is Downey more expensive than Waco?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Downey is 22.7% higher than Waco (113.566 vs 92.55, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Downey, CA from Waco, TX?
The driving distance is 1423 mi and the route typically takes 24h 60m via I 10 and TX 158. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Waco vs Downey?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $87,400 in Downey vs $51,468 in Waco β a 69.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Downey compare to Waco?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Downey MSA vs $41,030 in the Waco MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 125,640 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Downey compared to Waco?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $888,710 in Downey vs $194,245 in Waco β a 357.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Waco to Downey?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1423 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 Waco.
City profiles: Waco, TX Β· Downey, CA.