Moving from Waco, TX to Temecula, CA
A move from Waco, TX to Temecula, CA covers 1384 mi and around 24h 20m 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.
1384 mi Β· 24h 20m by car Β· TX β NM β AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β NM β AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 8, TX 158 |
| Major cities en route | Killeen, Midland, Odessa, El Paso, Las Cruces |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Waco | Temecula | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.55 | 106.442 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.967 | 148.641 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 101.431 | 100.0 |
| Services | 83.531 | 129.312 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Temecula is 15.0% higher than Waco, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Temecula is 15.0% above Waco β $194,245 vs $766,379 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Waco -2.3%, Temecula -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Waco | Temecula |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 47Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.5" | 15.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Waco (66.6Β°F) and Temecula (65.1Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WACO DAM, TX US, FALLBROOK 5 NE, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Waco | Temecula |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,925 | 110,404 |
| Median household income | $51,468 | $117,840 |
| Median age | 29.2 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.4% | 25.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 3.12 |
Median household income in Temecula is 15.0% above Waco ($51,468 vs $117,840, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Temecula 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 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
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- 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
- 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 Temecula compared to Waco?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $766,379 in Temecula vs $194,245 in Waco β a 294.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Temecula, CA from Waco, TX?
The driving distance is 1384 mi and the route typically takes 24h 20m via I 10 and I 8. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Waco to Temecula?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1384 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Temecula more expensive than Waco?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Temecula is 15.0% higher than Waco (106.442 vs 92.55, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Waco vs Temecula?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $117,840 in Temecula vs $51,468 in Waco β a 129.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Temecula compare to Waco?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,450 in the Temecula MSA vs $41,030 in the Waco MSA, on total employment of 1,661,860 and 125,640 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 Waco.
City profiles: Waco, TX Β· Temecula, CA.