Moving from Garden Grove, CA to Long Beach, CA
Relocating from Garden Grove, CA to Long Beach, CA? The drive is 14 mi β about 23 min. Local does not always mean identical: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and NOAA climate can all shift a few percent across short distances. The sections below compare each data layer directly.
14 mi Β· 23 min by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 22, I 405, CA 1 |
| Major cities en route | Los Angeles, Glendale, Torrance, Inglewood, Burbank |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Garden Grove | Long Beach | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 113.566 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.589 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 106.623 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 170.433 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 113.566 vs 113.566 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 0.0% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Garden Grove +1.4%, Long Beach +0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Garden Grove | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 49Β°F | 47Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 12.5" | 12.0" |
Annual average temperatures in Garden Grove (66.1Β°F) and Long Beach (64.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SANTA ANA FIRE STN, CA US, LONG BEACH DAUGHERTY FLD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Garden Grove | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 170,603 | 458,491 |
| Median household income | $90,166 | $83,969 |
| Median age | 39.6 | 36.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.9% | 22.3% |
| Avg household size | 3.51 | 2.68 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.0% lower in Long Beach than Garden Grove.
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 much do homes cost in Long Beach compared to Garden Grove?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $857,861 in Long Beach vs $1,013,183 in Garden Grove β a 15.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Garden 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 14 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Garden Grove vs Long Beach?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $83,969 in Long Beach vs $90,166 in Garden Grove β a 6.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Long Beach, CA from Garden Grove, CA?
The driving distance is 14 mi and the route typically takes 23 min via CA 22 and I 405. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Long Beach compare to Garden Grove?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Long Beach MSA vs $50,490 in the Garden Grove MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 6,185,570 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Garden Grove.
City profiles: Garden Grove, CA Β· Long Beach, CA.