Moving from El Monte, CA to Fullerton, CA
Moving from El Monte, CA to Fullerton, CA is a 21 mi drive, about 33 min by car. This is a local relocation β same-day moves are typical β but cost-of-living, housing, and tax lines still shift enough to plan around. The sections below pull current figures from BEA, the Census Bureau, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA for a side-by-side look.
21 mi Β· 33 min by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 60, I 605, I 10 |
| Major cities en route | Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| El Monte | Fullerton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 113.566 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.589 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 106.623 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 170.433 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Fullerton and El Monte are close on the overall BEA RPP (113.566 vs 113.566); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Fullerton typical home at $1,050,945 is 0.0% above El Monte at $765,444 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: El Monte +0.8%, Fullerton -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | El Monte | Fullerton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 46Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 15.7" | 11.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 66.0Β°F vs 66.2Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SAN GABRIEL FIRE DEPT, CA US, FULLERTON MUNI AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | El Monte | Fullerton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,066 | 141,278 |
| Median household income | $64,484 | $104,219 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 36.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 11.4% | 27.4% |
| Avg household size | 3.62 | 2.98 |
Median household income in Fullerton is 0.0% above El Monte ($64,484 vs $104,219, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Fullerton 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: Fullerton sees only 11.9 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
When is the best time to move from El Monte to Fullerton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 21 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 Fullerton compared to El Monte?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,050,945 in Fullerton vs $765,444 in El Monte β a 37.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Fullerton, CA from El Monte, CA?
The driving distance is 21 mi and the route typically takes 33 min via CA 60 and I 605. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Fullerton compare to El Monte?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Fullerton MSA vs $50,490 in the El Monte MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 6,185,570 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in El Monte vs Fullerton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $104,219 in Fullerton vs $64,484 in El Monte β a 61.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from El Monte.
City profiles: El Monte, CA Β· Fullerton, CA.