Moving from Downey, CA to Oxnard, CA
The 75 mi from Downey to Oxnard translate to about 1h 37m 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.
75 mi Β· 1h 37m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | 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
| Downey | Oxnard | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 113.566 | 110.534 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.589 | 152.925 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 106.623 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 170.433 | 171.096 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Oxnard and Downey is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Oxnard is 2.7% below Downey ($767,291 vs $888,710 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Downey +1.2%, Oxnard -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Downey | Oxnard |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 47Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 73Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 12.0" | 12.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Downey (64.9Β°F) and Oxnard (61.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LONG BEACH DAUGHERTY FLD, CA US, OXNARD VENTURA CO AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Downey | Oxnard |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 111,793 | 201,014 |
| Median household income | $87,400 | $93,372 |
| Median age | 37 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.8% | 13.4% |
| Avg household size | 3.22 | 3.88 |
Income steps up 2.7%: $87,400 in Downey vs $93,372 in Oxnard.
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 far is Oxnard, CA from Downey, CA?
The driving distance is 75 mi and the route typically takes 1h 37m via US 101 and I 5. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Oxnard more expensive than Downey?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Oxnard is 2.7% lower than Downey (110.534 vs 113.566, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Oxnard compared to Downey?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $767,291 in Oxnard vs $888,710 in Downey β a 13.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Downey to Oxnard?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 75 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 Downey vs Oxnard?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $93,372 in Oxnard vs $87,400 in Downey β a 6.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Oxnard compare to Downey?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,380 in the Oxnard MSA vs $50,490 in the Downey MSA, on total employment of 315,720 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· Oxnard, CA.