Moving from Fairfield, CA to Huntington Beach, CA
The 429 mi from Fairfield to Huntington Beach translate to about 8h 4m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
429 mi Β· 8h 4m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, I 680, I 5 TRUCK |
| Major cities en route | Irvine, Costa Mesa, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Garden Grove |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fairfield | Huntington Beach | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.479 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 154.993 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 142.042 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Fairfield (108.479) and Huntington Beach (113.566) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Huntington Beach: 4.7% above Fairfield on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Fairfield -2.4%, Huntington Beach +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fairfield | Huntington Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 49Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 79Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 24.5" | 11.2" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FAIRFIELD, CA US, SANTA ANA JOHN WAYNE AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fairfield | Huntington Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 119,985 | 196,010 |
| Median household income | $102,321 | $119,885 |
| Median age | 36.8 | 43.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.8% | 29.5% |
| Avg household size | 3.16 | 2.53 |
Income steps up 4.7%: $102,321 in Fairfield vs $119,885 in Huntington Beach.
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.
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.
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 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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Fairfield vs Huntington Beach?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $119,885 in Huntington Beach vs $102,321 in Fairfield β a 17.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Huntington Beach more expensive than Fairfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Huntington Beach is 4.7% higher than Fairfield (113.566 vs 108.479, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Huntington Beach compared to Fairfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,366,658 in Huntington Beach vs $609,269 in Fairfield β a 124.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Huntington Beach compare to Fairfield?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Huntington Beach MSA vs $53,520 in the Fairfield MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 137,640 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Fairfield to Huntington Beach?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 429 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Huntington Beach, CA from Fairfield, CA?
The driving distance is 429 mi and the route typically takes 8h 4m via I 5 and I 680. The trip crosses 1 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 Fairfield.
City profiles: Fairfield, CA Β· Huntington Beach, CA.