Moving from Vallejo, CA to Huntington Beach, CA
Relocating between Vallejo, CA and Huntington Beach, CA is a 418 mi drive β 7h 52m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
418 mi Β· 7h 52m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, I 5 TRUCK, I 580 |
| 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
| Vallejo | 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 |
Overall price level is comparable β 108.479 vs 113.566 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 4.7% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $520,970 to $1,366,658 moving to Huntington Beach.
YoY change: Vallejo -5.4%, Huntington Beach +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Vallejo | Huntington Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 42Β°F | 49Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 79Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 21.5" | 11.2" |
Annual average temperatures in Vallejo (61.6Β°F) and Huntington Beach (64.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: VALLEJO, CA US, SANTA ANA JOHN WAYNE AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Vallejo | Huntington Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 124,637 | 196,010 |
| Median household income | $89,496 | $119,885 |
| Median age | 40 | 43.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.7% | 29.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.84 | 2.53 |
Expect median household income to rise 4.7% β $89,496 β $119,885 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
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
Is Huntington Beach more expensive than Vallejo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Huntington Beach is 4.7% higher than Vallejo (113.566 vs 108.479, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Huntington Beach, CA from Vallejo, CA?
The driving distance is 418 mi and the route typically takes 7h 52m via I 5 and I 5 TRUCK. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Huntington Beach compared to Vallejo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,366,658 in Huntington Beach vs $520,970 in Vallejo β a 162.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Vallejo 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 418 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Vallejo vs Huntington Beach?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $119,885 in Huntington Beach vs $89,496 in Vallejo β a 34.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Huntington Beach compare to Vallejo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Huntington Beach MSA vs $53,520 in the Vallejo 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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Vallejo.
City profiles: Vallejo, CA Β· Huntington Beach, CA.