Moving from Lancaster, CA to Downey, CA
Relocating between Lancaster, CA and Downey, CA is a 82 mi drive β 1h 38m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
82 mi Β· 1h 38m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 14, CA 138, I 5 TRUCK |
| Major cities en route | Palmdale, Santa Clarita, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Burbank |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lancaster | Downey | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 113.566 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.589 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 106.623 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 170.433 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Lancaster and Downey sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $465,847 in Lancaster to $888,710 in Downey, a 0.0% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Lancaster -2.1%, Downey +1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lancaster | Downey |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 47Β°F |
| July avg high | 98Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 6.8" | 12.0" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 62.1Β°F vs 64.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LANCASTER WM J FOX FLD, CA US, LONG BEACH DAUGHERTY FLD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lancaster | Downey |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 170,013 | 111,793 |
| Median household income | $76,083 | $87,400 |
| Median age | 34.2 | 37 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.7% | 17.8% |
| Avg household size | 3.26 | 3.22 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.0% higher in Downey than Lancaster.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Downey 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.
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
- 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
- Dry climate: Downey sees only 12.0 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.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Lancaster to Downey?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 82 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 Lancaster vs Downey?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $87,400 in Downey vs $76,083 in Lancaster β a 14.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Downey, CA from Lancaster, CA?
The driving distance is 82 mi and the route typically takes 1h 38m via CA 14 and CA 138. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Downey compare to Lancaster?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Downey MSA vs $50,490 in the Lancaster MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 6,185,570 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Downey compared to Lancaster?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $888,710 in Downey vs $465,847 in Lancaster β a 90.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lancaster.
City profiles: Lancaster, CA Β· Downey, CA.