Moving from Round Rock, TX to Ontario, CA
A move from Round Rock, TX to Ontario, CA covers 1359 mi and around 23h 28m 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.
1359 mi · 23h 28m by car · CA → AZ → NM → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | CA → AZ → NM → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 180, US 290 |
| Major cities en route | Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, Rancho Cucamonga, Garden Grove |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Round Rock | Ontario | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.066 | 106.442 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.044 | 148.641 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 101.431 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.361 | 129.312 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 98.066 in Round Rock to 106.442 in Ontario, a 8.5% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Ontario: 8.5% above Round Rock on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Round Rock -5.9%, Ontario -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Round Rock | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 124,288 | 178,347 |
| Median household income | $97,187 | $82,806 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 33.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.1% | 15.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.66 | 3.39 |
Median household income in Ontario is 8.5% below Round Rock ($97,187 → $82,806, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Ontario MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median 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 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 — 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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Ontario average 94°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Ontario sees only 11.6 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 — 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
When is the best time to move from Round Rock to Ontario?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1359 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Ontario compare to Round Rock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,450 in the Ontario MSA vs $50,070 in the Round Rock MSA, on total employment of 1,661,860 and 1,235,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Ontario more expensive than Round Rock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Ontario is 8.5% higher than Round Rock (106.442 vs 98.066, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Round Rock vs Ontario?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $82,806 in Ontario vs $97,187 in Round Rock — a 14.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Ontario compared to Round Rock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $672,742 in Ontario vs $407,077 in Round Rock — a 65.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Ontario, CA from Round Rock, TX?
The driving distance is 1359 mi and the route typically takes 23h 28m via I 10 and US 180. 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 Round Rock.
City profiles: Round Rock, TX · Ontario, CA.