Moving from Abilene, TX to Torrance, CA
A move from Abilene, TX to Torrance, CA covers 1265 mi and around 21h 52m 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.
1265 mi Β· 21h 52m by car Β· CA β AZ β NM β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β AZ β NM β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 20, US 180 |
| Major cities en route | Los Angeles, Glendale, Inglewood, Burbank, Long Beach |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Abilene | Torrance | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.364 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.162 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.791 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
You are looking at a 25.7% pricier overall price level β 90.364 β 113.566 on the latest BEA Regional Price Parities.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Torrance typical home at $1,124,932 is 25.7% above Abilene at $210,016 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Abilene +5.2%, Torrance +0.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Abilene | Torrance |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 47Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 76Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 25.2" | 13.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 65.9Β°F vs 62.5Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ABILENE RGNL AP, TX US, REDONDO BEACH, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Abilene | Torrance |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,130 | 143,499 |
| Median household income | $62,720 | $113,105 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 43.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.6% | 34.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.59 |
Median household income in Torrance is 25.7% above Abilene ($62,720 vs $113,105, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Torrance 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
- 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: Torrance sees only 13.8 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 does the job market in Torrance compare to Abilene?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Torrance MSA vs $38,680 in the Abilene MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 72,780 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Torrance more expensive than Abilene?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Torrance is 25.7% higher than Abilene (113.566 vs 90.364, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Abilene vs Torrance?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,105 in Torrance vs $62,720 in Abilene β a 80.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Abilene to Torrance?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1265 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 Torrance compared to Abilene?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,124,932 in Torrance vs $210,016 in Abilene β a 435.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Torrance, CA from Abilene, TX?
The driving distance is 1265 mi and the route typically takes 21h 52m via I 10 and I 20. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Abilene.
City profiles: Abilene, TX Β· Torrance, CA.