Moving from Glendale, AZ to El Monte, CA
The 357 mi from Glendale to El Monte translate to about 6h 29m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — 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.
357 mi · 6h 29m by car · AZ → CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 95, I 10 EXPR |
| Major cities en route | Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria, Mesa, Chandler |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Glendale | El Monte | 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 Glendale to 113.566 in El Monte, a 9.9% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in El Monte: 9.9% above Glendale on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Glendale -2.6%, El Monte +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Glendale | El Monte |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72°F | 66°F |
| January avg low | 41°F | 46°F |
| July avg high | 105°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.3" | 15.7" |
Climate cools by 5.9°F on the annual average — 71.9°F → 66.0°F.
Effectively snow-free year in El Monte — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: YOUNGTOWN, AZ US, SAN GABRIEL FIRE DEPT, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Glendale | El Monte |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 250,193 | 107,066 |
| Median household income | $70,139 | $64,484 |
| Median age | 34.5 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.4% | 11.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.88 | 3.62 |
Income steps down 9.9%: $70,139 in Glendale vs $64,484 in El Monte.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in El Monte 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 — 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
- 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
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October — 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 El Monte, CA from Glendale, AZ?
The driving distance is 357 mi and the route typically takes 6h 29m via I 10 and US 95. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is El Monte more expensive than Glendale?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in El Monte is 9.9% higher than Glendale (113.566 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in El Monte compare to Glendale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the El Monte MSA vs $48,600 in the Glendale 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.
What is the climate difference between Glendale and El Monte?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.0°F in El Monte vs 71.9°F in Glendale (5.9°F colder). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 15.7 in vs 8.3 in.
When is the best time to move from Glendale to El Monte?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 357 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in El Monte compared to Glendale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $765,444 in El Monte vs $407,332 in Glendale — a 87.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Glendale vs El Monte?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,484 in El Monte vs $70,139 in Glendale — a 8.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Glendale.
City profiles: Glendale, AZ · El Monte, CA.