Moving from Bakersfield, CA to Downey, CA
The 124 mi from Bakersfield to Downey translate to about 2h 25m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
124 mi Β· 2h 25m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, CA 99, I 5 TRUCK |
| Major cities en route | Lancaster, Santa Clarita, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Palmdale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Bakersfield | Downey | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.886 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.257 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 90.291 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 12.6% pricier overall in Downey than Bakersfield on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Downey typical home at $888,710 is 12.6% above Bakersfield at $396,047 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Bakersfield -0.3%, Downey +1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Bakersfield | Downey |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 47Β°F |
| July avg high | 97Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 6.7" | 12.0" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 65.1Β°F vs 64.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BAKERSFIELD 5 NW, CA US, LONG BEACH DAUGHERTY FLD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Bakersfield | Downey |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 408,366 | 111,793 |
| Median household income | $77,397 | $87,400 |
| Median age | 31.9 | 37 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.1% | 17.8% |
| Avg household size | 3.2 | 3.22 |
Income steps up 12.6%: $77,397 in Bakersfield vs $87,400 in Downey.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Downey 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: Downey sees only 12.0 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
How far is Downey, CA from Bakersfield, CA?
The driving distance is 124 mi and the route typically takes 2h 25m via I 5 and CA 99. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Bakersfield to Downey?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 124 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 Bakersfield vs Downey?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $87,400 in Downey vs $77,397 in Bakersfield β a 12.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Downey more expensive than Bakersfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Downey is 12.6% higher than Bakersfield (113.566 vs 100.886, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Downey compare to Bakersfield?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Downey MSA vs $44,960 in the Bakersfield MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 330,270 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Downey compared to Bakersfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $888,710 in Downey vs $396,047 in Bakersfield β a 124.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Bakersfield.
City profiles: Bakersfield, CA Β· Downey, CA.