Moving from Fullerton, CA to Gilbert, AZ
Relocating between Fullerton, CA and Gilbert, AZ is a 388 mi drive β 7h 6m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
388 mi Β· 7h 6m by car Β· AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 95, CA 60 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fullerton | Gilbert | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 113.566 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.589 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 106.623 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 170.433 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 9.0% moving from Fullerton to Gilbert β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $1,050,945 in Fullerton to $572,507 in Gilbert, a 9.0% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Fullerton -0.4%, Gilbert -1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fullerton | Gilbert |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 46Β°F | 41Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 104Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.9" | β |
Expect 5.2Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FULLERTON MUNI AP, CA US, CHANDLER HEIGHTS, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fullerton | Gilbert |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,278 | 271,118 |
| Median household income | $104,219 | $121,351 |
| Median age | 36.1 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 27.4% | 30.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.96 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 9.0% higher in Gilbert than Fullerton.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Gilbert MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between California and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Gilbert average 104Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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.
- Register to vote in Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Gilbert more expensive than Fullerton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Gilbert is 9.0% lower than Fullerton (103.316 vs 113.566, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Fullerton to Gilbert?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 388 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Gilbert compare to Fullerton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Gilbert MSA vs $50,490 in the Fullerton MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 6,185,570 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Gilbert compared to Fullerton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $572,507 in Gilbert vs $1,050,945 in Fullerton β a 45.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Fullerton vs Gilbert?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $121,351 in Gilbert vs $104,219 in Fullerton β a 16.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Gilbert, AZ from Fullerton, CA?
The driving distance is 388 mi and the route typically takes 7h 6m via I 10 and US 95. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fullerton.
City profiles: Fullerton, CA Β· Gilbert, AZ.