Moving from Gilbert, AZ to West Covina, CA
The 384 mi from Gilbert to West Covina translate to about 6h 56m behind the wheel through 2 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.
384 mi Β· 6h 56m by car Β· AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 95, AZ 202 LOOP |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Gilbert | West Covina | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 103.316 in Gilbert to 113.566 in West Covina, a 9.9% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in West Covina: 9.9% above Gilbert on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Gilbert -1.2%, West Covina +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Gilbert | West Covina |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 104Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 14.5" |
Climate cools by 6.3Β°F on the annual average β 71.4Β°F β 65.1Β°F.
Effectively snow-free year in West Covina β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHANDLER HEIGHTS, AZ US, POMONA/FAIRPLEX, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Gilbert | West Covina |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 271,118 | 107,436 |
| Median household income | $121,351 | $98,570 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 40.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.7% | 21.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 3.3 |
Income steps down 9.9%: $121,351 in Gilbert vs $98,570 in West Covina.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in West Covina 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.
Moving between Arizona and California
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 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 West Covina average 90Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: West Covina sees only 14.5 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.
- Register to vote in California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is West Covina, CA from Gilbert, AZ?
The driving distance is 384 mi and the route typically takes 6h 56m via I 10 and US 95. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Gilbert to West Covina?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 384 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 Gilbert vs West Covina?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $98,570 in West Covina vs $121,351 in Gilbert β a 18.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is West Covina more expensive than Gilbert?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in West Covina is 9.9% higher than Gilbert (113.566 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in West Covina compared to Gilbert?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $852,373 in West Covina vs $572,507 in Gilbert β a 48.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in West Covina compare to Gilbert?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the West Covina 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· West Covina, CA.