Moving from Goodyear, AZ to Fairfield, CA
Relocating 752 mi from Goodyear to Fairfield is a 14h 13m 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.
752 mi · 14h 13m by car · CA → AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | CA → AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 5, I 5 TRUCK |
| Major cities en route | Vallejo, Richmond, Concord, Antioch, Elk Grove |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Goodyear | 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 $469,424 to $609,269 moving to Fairfield.
YoY change: Goodyear -1.2%, Fairfield -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Goodyear | Fairfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 74°F | 62°F |
| January avg low | 43°F | 40°F |
| July avg high | 107°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 7.4" | 24.5" |
Expect 12.2°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: LAVEEN 3 SSE, AZ US, FAIRFIELD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Goodyear | Fairfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 102,891 | 119,985 |
| Median household income | $101,814 | $102,321 |
| Median age | 40.8 | 36.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 17.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.87 | 3.16 |
Median household incomes in Goodyear ($101,814) and Fairfield ($102,321) are within a few percent (ACS 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
- 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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (12.2°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 Goodyear?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $53,520 in the Fairfield MSA vs $48,600 in the Goodyear 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.
What is the climate difference between Goodyear and Fairfield?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 61.7°F in Fairfield vs 73.9°F in Goodyear (12.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 24.5 in vs 7.4 in.
Is Fairfield more expensive than Goodyear?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fairfield is 5.0% higher than Goodyear (108.479 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Fairfield compared to Goodyear?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $609,269 in Fairfield vs $469,424 in Goodyear — a 29.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Fairfield, CA from Goodyear, AZ?
The driving distance is 752 mi and the route typically takes 14h 13m via I 10 and I 5. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Goodyear 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 752 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Goodyear vs Fairfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $102,321 in Fairfield vs $101,814 in Goodyear — a 0.5% higher 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 Goodyear.
City profiles: Goodyear, AZ · Fairfield, CA.