Moving from Glendale, AZ to Fairfield, CA
Relocating 762 mi from Glendale to Fairfield is a 13h 59m drive through 2 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
762 mi · 13h 59m by car · AZ → CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 5, US 95 |
| 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 | Fairfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 108.479 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 154.993 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 142.042 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 5.0% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 5.0% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $407,332 to $609,269 moving to Fairfield.
YoY change: Glendale -2.6%, Fairfield -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Glendale | Fairfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72°F | 62°F |
| January avg low | 41°F | 40°F |
| July avg high | 105°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.3" | 24.5" |
Expect 10.2°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Fairfield gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: YOUNGTOWN, AZ US, FAIRFIELD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Glendale | Fairfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 250,193 | 119,985 |
| Median household income | $70,139 | $102,321 |
| Median age | 34.5 | 36.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.4% | 17.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.88 | 3.16 |
Expect median household income to rise 5.0% — $70,139 → $102,321 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Fairfield MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,510 | $51,200 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 13,960 | $36,120 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 12,440 | $43,450 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 12,220 | $37,910 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 10,450 | $34,840 |
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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.2°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 does the job market in Fairfield compare to Glendale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $53,520 in the Fairfield MSA vs $48,600 in the Glendale MSA, on total employment of 137,640 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Fairfield more expensive than Glendale?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fairfield is 5.0% higher than Glendale (108.479 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Fairfield, CA from Glendale, AZ?
The driving distance is 762 mi and the route typically takes 13h 59m via I 10 and I 5. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Glendale vs Fairfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $102,321 in Fairfield vs $70,139 in Glendale — a 45.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Glendale to Fairfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 762 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Glendale and Fairfield?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 61.7°F in Fairfield vs 71.9°F in Glendale (10.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 24.5 in vs 8.3 in.
How much do homes cost in Fairfield compared to Glendale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $609,269 in Fairfield vs $407,332 in Glendale — a 49.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Glendale.
City profiles: Glendale, AZ · Fairfield, CA.