Moving from Fullerton, CA to Sunnyvale, CA
The 376 mi from Fullerton to Sunnyvale translate to about 7h 9m 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.
376 mi Β· 7h 9m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, I 5 TRUCK, CA 152 |
| Major cities en route | Oakland, Hayward, San Mateo, Fremont, Santa Clara |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fullerton | Sunnyvale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 113.566 | 110.423 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.589 | 156.659 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 106.623 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 170.433 | 211.901 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Sunnyvale and Fullerton is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Sunnyvale is 2.8% above Fullerton β $1,050,945 vs $2,168,909 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Fullerton -0.4%, Sunnyvale -0.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fullerton | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 46Β°F | 42Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.9" | 13.5" |
Climate cools by 6.3Β°F on the annual average β 66.2Β°F β 59.9Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FULLERTON MUNI AP, CA US, MOFFETT FEDERAL AIRFIELD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fullerton | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,278 | 153,455 |
| Median household income | $104,219 | $181,862 |
| Median age | 36.1 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 27.4% | 30.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.61 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 2.8% between Fullerton and Sunnyvale (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Sunnyvale MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 161,790 | $175,110 |
| Management Occupations | 119,300 | $206,650 |
| Software Developers | 96,590 | $199,100 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 93,740 | $59,850 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 90,500 | $120,970 |
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: Sunnyvale sees only 13.5 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 the job market in Sunnyvale compare to Fullerton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $81,470 in the Sunnyvale MSA vs $50,490 in the Fullerton MSA, on total employment of 1,141,820 and 6,185,570 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Fullerton vs Sunnyvale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $181,862 in Sunnyvale vs $104,219 in Fullerton β a 74.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Sunnyvale more expensive than Fullerton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Sunnyvale is 2.8% lower than Fullerton (110.423 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 Sunnyvale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 376 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 Sunnyvale compared to Fullerton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $2,168,909 in Sunnyvale vs $1,050,945 in Fullerton β a 106.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Sunnyvale, CA from Fullerton, CA?
The driving distance is 376 mi and the route typically takes 7h 9m via I 5 and I 5 TRUCK. The trip crosses 1 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· Sunnyvale, CA.