Moving from Waco, TX to West Covina, CA
A move from Waco, TX to West Covina, CA covers 1405 mi and around 24h 38m 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.
1405 mi · 24h 38m by car · TX → NM → AZ → CA
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → NM → AZ → CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, TX 158, US 84 |
| 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 | West Covina | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.55 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.967 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 83.531 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
You are looking at a 22.7% pricier overall price level — 92.55 → 113.566 on the latest BEA Regional Price Parities.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: West Covina typical home at $852,373 is 22.7% above Waco at $194,245 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Waco -2.3%, West Covina +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Waco | West Covina |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67°F | 65°F |
| January avg low | 36°F | 43°F |
| July avg high | 95°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.5" | 14.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 66.6°F vs 65.1°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: West Covina sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WACO DAM, TX US, POMONA/FAIRPLEX, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Waco | West Covina |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,925 | 107,436 |
| Median household income | $51,468 | $98,570 |
| Median age | 29.2 | 40.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.4% | 21.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 3.3 |
Median household income in West Covina is 22.7% above Waco ($51,468 vs $98,570, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in West Covina 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.
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
- 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in West Covina average 90°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: West Covina sees only 14.5 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
What is the climate difference between Waco and West Covina?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 65.1°F in West Covina vs 66.6°F in Waco (1.5°F colder). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 14.5 in vs 37.5 in.
How much do homes cost in West Covina compared to Waco?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $852,373 in West Covina vs $194,245 in Waco — a 338.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Waco vs West Covina?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $98,570 in West Covina vs $51,468 in Waco — a 91.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in West Covina compare to Waco?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the West Covina MSA vs $41,030 in the Waco MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 125,640 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Waco to West Covina?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1405 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is West Covina more expensive than Waco?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in West Covina is 22.7% higher than Waco (113.566 vs 92.55, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is West Covina, CA from Waco, TX?
The driving distance is 1405 mi and the route typically takes 24h 38m via I 10 and TX 158. 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 Waco.
City profiles: Waco, TX · West Covina, CA.