Moving from Carlsbad, CA to Oxnard, CA
The 158 mi from Carlsbad to Oxnard translate to about 3h 11m 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.
158 mi Β· 3h 11m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 405, US 101, I 5 |
| Major cities en route | San Buenaventura, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Santa Clarita, Burbank |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Carlsbad | Oxnard | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.887 | 110.534 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 174.247 | 152.925 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.963 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 179.267 | 171.096 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Carlsbad (111.887) and Oxnard (110.534) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Oxnard: 1.2% below Carlsbad on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Carlsbad -3.9%, Oxnard -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Carlsbad | Oxnard |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 48Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 74Β°F | 73Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.4" | 12.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CARLSBAD PALOMAR AP, CA US, OXNARD VENTURA CO AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Carlsbad | Oxnard |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,500 | 201,014 |
| Median household income | $139,326 | $93,372 |
| Median age | 42.8 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 36.8% | 13.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 3.88 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 1.2% between Carlsbad and Oxnard (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Oxnard 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.
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: Oxnard sees only 12.9 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 does the job market in Oxnard compare to Carlsbad?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,380 in the Oxnard MSA vs $53,090 in the Carlsbad MSA, on total employment of 315,720 and 1,522,620 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Oxnard compared to Carlsbad?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $767,291 in Oxnard vs $1,370,649 in Carlsbad β a 44.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Oxnard more expensive than Carlsbad?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Oxnard is 1.2% lower than Carlsbad (110.534 vs 111.887, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Oxnard, CA from Carlsbad, CA?
The driving distance is 158 mi and the route typically takes 3h 11m via I 405 and US 101. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Carlsbad vs Oxnard?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $93,372 in Oxnard vs $139,326 in Carlsbad β a 33.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Carlsbad to Oxnard?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 158 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Carlsbad.
City profiles: Carlsbad, CA Β· Oxnard, CA.