Moving from Fresno, CA to Thousand Oaks, CA
The 230 mi from Fresno to Thousand Oaks translate to about 4h 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.
230 mi Β· 4h 23m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 99, I 5, CA 118 |
| Major cities en route | Clovis, Visalia, Bakersfield, Lancaster, Santa Clarita |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fresno | Thousand Oaks | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.158 | 110.534 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 161.01 | 152.925 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 95.725 | 171.096 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Thousand Oaks is 8.2% higher than Fresno, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Thousand Oaks is 8.2% above Fresno β $391,328 vs $1,049,634 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Fresno +0.1%, Thousand Oaks 0.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fresno | Thousand Oaks |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 45Β°F |
| July avg high | 98Β°F | 78Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.0" | 12.0" |
Annual average temperatures in Fresno (65.0Β°F) and Thousand Oaks (62.5Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FRESNO YOSEMITE INTL AP, CA US, CAMARILLO AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fresno | Thousand Oaks |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 543,615 | 125,676 |
| Median household income | $66,804 | $134,367 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 44.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.7% | 29.5% |
| Avg household size | 3.03 | 2.72 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 8.2% between Fresno and Thousand Oaks (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Thousand Oaks 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: Thousand Oaks 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 does household income compare in Fresno vs Thousand Oaks?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $134,367 in Thousand Oaks vs $66,804 in Fresno β a 101.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Thousand Oaks more expensive than Fresno?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Thousand Oaks is 8.2% higher than Fresno (110.534 vs 102.158, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Fresno to Thousand Oaks?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 230 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Thousand Oaks, CA from Fresno, CA?
The driving distance is 230 mi and the route typically takes 4h 23m via CA 99 and I 5. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Thousand Oaks compare to Fresno?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,380 in the Thousand Oaks MSA vs $44,530 in the Fresno MSA, on total employment of 315,720 and 408,820 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Thousand Oaks compared to Fresno?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,049,634 in Thousand Oaks vs $391,328 in Fresno β a 168.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fresno.
City profiles: Fresno, CA Β· Thousand Oaks, CA.