Moving from Hampton, VA to Moreno Valley, CA

Cross-country relocations like Hampton, VA β†’ Moreno Valley, CA cover 2659 mi and about 46h 49m of driving through 8 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.

2659 mi Β· 46h 49m by car Β· CA β†’ AZ β†’ NM β†’ TX β†’ OK β†’ AR β†’ TN β†’ VA

COL +8.7% Home values +100.2% Ξ” +3.5Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
2659 mi
Drive time
46h 49m
States
8
Fuel (25 mpg)
106 gal
Route throughCA β†’ AZ β†’ NM β†’ TX β†’ OK β†’ AR β†’ TN β†’ VA
Primary highwaysI 40, I 81, I 64
Major cities en routeRiverside, San Bernardino, Fontana, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga

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

Cost of living

HamptonMoreno ValleyU.S. avg
All items (RPP)97.941106.442100.0
Rents89.579148.641100.0
Goods96.767101.431100.0
Services99.805129.312100.0

Moderate COL step-up: 8.7% pricier overall in Moreno Valley than Hampton on the 2024 BEA RPP.

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

Housing prices

Hampton β€” typical home
$275,341
Moreno Valley β€” typical home
$551,284
Hampton β€” typical rent
$1,593/mo
Moreno Valley β€” typical rent
$2,361/mo

Housing gap is large: Moreno Valley typical home at $551,284 is 8.7% above Hampton at $275,341 (Zillow, 2026-03).

YoY change: Hampton -0.3%, Moreno Valley -1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsHamptonMoreno Valley
Annual avg temperature60Β°F63Β°F
January avg low32Β°F37Β°F
July avg high87Β°F94Β°F
Annual snowfall2.7"β€”
Annual precipitation47.8"10.7"

Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β€” 59.8Β°F vs 63.3Β°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LANGLEY AFB, VA US, MARCH AFB, CA US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023HamptonMoreno Valley
Population137,334210,378
Median household income$67,758$87,477
Median age36.532.1
Bachelor's degree or higher17.1%12.1%
Avg household size2.383.84

Income gap is large: median household income climbs 8.7% between Hampton and Moreno Valley (ACS 2023).

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

Jobs & wages

Hampton MSA β€” median wage
$46,990
Moreno Valley MSA β€” median wage
$47,450
Hampton MSA β€” employment
737,200
Moreno Valley MSA β€” employment
1,661,860

Top occupations in Moreno Valley MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian wage
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations 267,890 $47,210
Office and Administrative Support Occupations 177,100 $47,040
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations 167,590 $34,570
Sales and Related Occupations 136,950 $36,420
Healthcare Support Occupations 115,940 $32,240

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Moving between Virginia and California

Virginia income tax
5.75% top marginal
California income tax
13.3% top marginal

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 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.
  • I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
  • I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.

State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.

Packing & arrival checklist

  • Air conditioning matters: July highs in Moreno Valley average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
  • Dry climate: Moreno Valley sees only 10.7 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 much do homes cost in Moreno Valley compared to Hampton?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $551,284 in Moreno Valley vs $275,341 in Hampton β€” a 100.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

How far is Moreno Valley, CA from Hampton, VA?

The driving distance is 2659 mi and the route typically takes 46h 49m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

How does household income compare in Hampton vs Moreno Valley?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $87,477 in Moreno Valley vs $67,758 in Hampton β€” a 29.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

Is Moreno Valley more expensive than Hampton?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Moreno Valley is 8.7% higher than Hampton (106.442 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

How does the job market in Moreno Valley compare to Hampton?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,450 in the Moreno Valley MSA vs $46,990 in the Hampton MSA, on total employment of 1,661,860 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.

When is the best time to move from Hampton to Moreno Valley?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2659 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 Hampton.

City profiles: Hampton, VA Β· Moreno Valley, CA.

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