Moving from Downey, CA to Antioch, CA
The 363 mi from Downey to Antioch translate to about 6h 55m 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.
363 mi Β· 6h 55m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, I 5 TRUCK, I 580 |
| Major cities en route | Oakland, Vallejo, Concord, Berkeley, Fairfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Downey | Antioch | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 113.566 | 115.613 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.589 | 172.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 106.623 | 108.465 | 100.0 |
| Services | 170.433 | 194.718 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Downey (113.566) and Antioch (115.613) 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 Antioch: 1.8% below Downey on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Downey +1.2%, Antioch -3.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Downey | Antioch |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 47Β°F | 40Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 12.0" | 12.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Effectively snow-free year in Antioch β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LONG BEACH DAUGHERTY FLD, CA US, ANTIOCH PUMPING PLT #3, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Downey | Antioch |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 111,793 | 115,759 |
| Median household income | $87,400 | $94,256 |
| Median age | 37 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.8% | 17.5% |
| Avg household size | 3.22 | 3.13 |
Income steps up 1.8%: $87,400 in Downey vs $94,256 in Antioch.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Antioch MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 244,380 | $59,630 |
| Management Occupations | 237,070 | $171,350 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 211,250 | $104,950 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 194,040 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 183,930 | $49,390 |
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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Antioch average 91Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Antioch sees only 12.6 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
Is Antioch more expensive than Downey?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Antioch is 1.8% higher than Downey (115.613 vs 113.566, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Antioch, CA from Downey, CA?
The driving distance is 363 mi and the route typically takes 6h 55m via I 5 and I 5 TRUCK. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Downey vs Antioch?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $94,256 in Antioch vs $87,400 in Downey β a 7.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Antioch compared to Downey?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $598,211 in Antioch vs $888,710 in Downey β a 32.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Downey to Antioch?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 363 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Antioch compare to Downey?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $72,050 in the Antioch MSA vs $50,490 in the Downey MSA, on total employment of 2,422,210 and 6,185,570 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 Downey.
City profiles: Downey, CA Β· Antioch, CA.