Moving from Gilbert, AZ to Los Angeles, CA

Moving from Gilbert, AZ to Los Angeles, CA covers 414 mi and about 7h 33m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β€” the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.

414 mi Β· 7h 33m by car Β· CA β†’ AZ

COL +9.9% Home values +66.3% Ξ” -7.6Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
414 mi
Drive time
7h 33m
States
2
Fuel (25 mpg)
17 gal
Route throughCA β†’ AZ
Primary highwaysI 10, AZ 202 LOOP, I 10 EXPR
Major cities en routeTorrance, Thousand Oaks, Santa Clarita, Simi Valley, Inglewood

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

GilbertLos AngelesU.S. avg
All items (RPP)103.316113.566100.0
Rents93.332158.589100.0
Goods95.024106.623100.0
Services121.236170.433100.0

Overall cost of living in Los Angeles is 9.9% higher than Gilbert, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Gilbert β€” typical home
$572,507
Los Angeles β€” typical home
$952,183
Gilbert β€” typical rent
$2,051/mo
Los Angeles β€” typical rent
$2,753/mo

Typical home value in Los Angeles is 9.9% above Gilbert β€” $572,507 vs $952,183 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.

YoY change: Gilbert -1.2%, Los Angeles -1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsGilbertLos Angeles
Annual avg temperature71Β°F64Β°F
January avg low41Β°F48Β°F
July avg high104Β°F78Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”0.0"
Annual precipitationβ€”14.1"

Los Angeles is 7.6Β°F cooler on the annual average (71.4Β°F vs 63.8Β°F, NOAA 1991–2020).

Los Angeles gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals β€” winter gear can largely stay in storage.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: CHANDLER HEIGHTS, AZ US, CULVER CITY, CA US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023GilbertLos Angeles
Population271,1183,857,897
Median household income$121,351$80,366
Median age35.736.9
Bachelor's degree or higher30.7%24.5%
Avg household size2.962.72

Median household income in Los Angeles is 9.9% below Gilbert ($121,351 vs $80,366, ACS 5-year 2023).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Gilbert MSA β€” median wage
$48,600
Los Angeles MSA β€” median wage
$50,490
Gilbert MSA β€” employment
2,289,130
Los Angeles MSA β€” employment
6,185,570

Top occupations in Los Angeles MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian 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.

Moving between Arizona and California

Arizona income tax
2.5% top marginal
California income tax
13.3% top marginal

State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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 20–30% 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.
  • I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.

State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.

Packing & arrival checklist

  • Dry climate: Los Angeles sees only 14.1 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.
  • Register to vote in California after establishing residency.

Frequently asked

How much do homes cost in Los Angeles compared to Gilbert?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $952,183 in Los Angeles vs $572,507 in Gilbert β€” a 66.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

Is Los Angeles more expensive than Gilbert?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Los Angeles is 9.9% higher than Gilbert (113.566 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

When is the best time to move from Gilbert to Los Angeles?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 414 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β€” see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.

How far is Los Angeles, CA from Gilbert, AZ?

The driving distance is 414 mi and the route typically takes 7h 33m via I 10 and AZ 202 LOOP. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

How does household income compare in Gilbert vs Los Angeles?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $80,366 in Los Angeles vs $121,351 in Gilbert β€” a 33.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

How does the job market in Los Angeles compare to Gilbert?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Los Angeles MSA vs $48,600 in the Gilbert MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 2,289,130 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 Gilbert.

City profiles: Gilbert, AZ Β· Los Angeles, CA.

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