Moving from Cambridge, MA to Thousand Oaks, CA
A 3026 mi cross-country move between Cambridge and Thousand Oaks is 54h 24m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 13 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
3026 mi Β· 54h 24m by car Β· CA β NV β UT β CO β NE β IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β NV β UT β CO β NE β IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 70, I 15 |
| Major cities en route | Oxnard, Simi Valley, San Buenaventura, Los Angeles, Santa Clarita |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cambridge | Thousand Oaks | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 110.534 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 152.925 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 171.096 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 108.266 vs 110.534 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
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $1,041,569 vs $1,049,634.
YoY change: Cambridge -1.5%, Thousand Oaks 0.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cambridge | Thousand Oaks |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 45Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 78Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 49.4" | 12.0" |
Annual temperature rises 11.3Β°F moving to Thousand Oaks per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US, CAMARILLO AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cambridge | Thousand Oaks |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,794 | 125,676 |
| Median household income | $126,469 | $134,367 |
| Median age | 30.5 | 44.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.8% | 29.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.72 |
Households in Thousand Oaks earn about 2.1% more at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Thousand Oaks MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 35,690 | $47,840 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 33,940 | $34,820 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 29,050 | $37,470 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 23,520 | $39,670 |
| Management Occupations | 20,990 | $124,680 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Massachusetts 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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Dry climate: Thousand Oaks sees only 12.0 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (11.3Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 far is Thousand Oaks, CA from Cambridge, MA?
The driving distance is 3026 mi and the route typically takes 54h 24m via I 80 and I 70. The trip crosses 13 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Cambridge vs Thousand Oaks?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $134,367 in Thousand Oaks vs $126,469 in Cambridge β a 6.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Thousand Oaks more expensive than Cambridge?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Thousand Oaks is 2.1% higher than Cambridge (110.534 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Cambridge to Thousand Oaks?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 3026 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Thousand Oaks compared to Cambridge?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,049,634 in Thousand Oaks vs $1,041,569 in Cambridge β a 0.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cambridge.
City profiles: Cambridge, MA Β· Thousand Oaks, CA.