Moving from Elk Grove, CA to Long Beach, CA
The 397 mi from Elk Grove to Long Beach translate to about 7h 23m 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.
397 mi Β· 7h 23m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, I 405, I 5 TRUCK |
| Major cities en route | Santa Ana, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Costa Mesa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elk Grove | Long Beach | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 106.67 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 151.29 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 130.23 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Long Beach is 6.5% higher than Elk Grove, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Long Beach is 6.5% above Elk Grove β $637,450 vs $857,861 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Elk Grove -3.5%, Long Beach +0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Elk Grove | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 47Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 18.1" | 12.0" |
Annual average temperatures in Elk Grove (61.8Β°F) and Long Beach (64.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SACRAMENTO EXECUTIVE AP, CA US, LONG BEACH DAUGHERTY FLD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elk Grove | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 177,221 | 458,491 |
| Median household income | $122,229 | $83,969 |
| Median age | 39 | 36.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 22.3% |
| Avg household size | 3.24 | 2.68 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 6.5% between Elk Grove and Long Beach (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Long Beach 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: Long Beach sees only 12.0 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 Long Beach, CA from Elk Grove, CA?
The driving distance is 397 mi and the route typically takes 7h 23m via I 5 and I 405. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Elk Grove vs Long Beach?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $83,969 in Long Beach vs $122,229 in Elk Grove β a 31.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Long Beach compared to Elk Grove?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $857,861 in Long Beach vs $637,450 in Elk Grove β a 34.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Long Beach compare to Elk Grove?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Long Beach MSA vs $55,290 in the Elk Grove MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 1,048,170 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Elk Grove to Long Beach?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 397 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Long Beach more expensive than Elk Grove?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Long Beach is 6.5% higher than Elk Grove (113.566 vs 106.67, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Elk Grove.
City profiles: Elk Grove, CA Β· Long Beach, CA.