Moving from Fairfield, CA to Torrance, CA
The 408 mi from Fairfield to Torrance translate to about 7h 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.
408 mi Β· 7h 37m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, I 680, I 5 TRUCK |
| Major cities en route | Long Beach, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Garden Grove |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fairfield | Torrance | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.479 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 154.993 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 142.042 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Torrance and Fairfield are close on the overall BEA RPP (108.479 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: Torrance typical home at $1,124,932 is 4.7% above Fairfield at $609,269 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Fairfield -2.4%, Torrance +0.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fairfield | Torrance |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 47Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 76Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 24.5" | 13.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 61.7Β°F vs 62.5Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FAIRFIELD, CA US, REDONDO BEACH, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fairfield | Torrance |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 119,985 | 143,499 |
| Median household income | $102,321 | $113,105 |
| Median age | 36.8 | 43.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.8% | 34.2% |
| Avg household size | 3.16 | 2.59 |
Income steps up 4.7%: $102,321 in Fairfield vs $113,105 in Torrance.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Torrance 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: Torrance sees only 13.8 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 household income compare in Fairfield vs Torrance?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,105 in Torrance vs $102,321 in Fairfield β a 10.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Torrance, CA from Fairfield, CA?
The driving distance is 408 mi and the route typically takes 7h 37m via I 5 and I 680. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Torrance compared to Fairfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,124,932 in Torrance vs $609,269 in Fairfield β a 84.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Torrance compare to Fairfield?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Torrance MSA vs $53,520 in the Fairfield MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 137,640 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Torrance more expensive than Fairfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Torrance is 4.7% higher than Fairfield (113.566 vs 108.479, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Fairfield to Torrance?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 408 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 Fairfield.
City profiles: Fairfield, CA Β· Torrance, CA.