Moving from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Clara, CA
Relocating between Los Angeles, CA and Santa Clara, CA is a 345 mi drive β 6h 30m 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.
345 mi Β· 6h 30m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, CA 152, I 5 TRUCK |
| Major cities en route | Fullerton, Pasadena, Downey, West Covina, El Monte |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Los Angeles | Santa Clara | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 113.566 | 110.423 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.589 | 156.659 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 106.623 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 170.433 | 211.901 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
2.8% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Los Angeles -1.4%, Santa Clara -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Los Angeles | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 48Β°F | 42Β°F |
| July avg high | 78Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 14.1" | 13.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CULVER CITY, CA US, SAN JOSE, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Los Angeles | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,857,897 | 129,239 |
| Median household income | $80,366 | $173,670 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.5% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.66 |
Expect median household income to rise 2.8% β $80,366 β $173,670 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Santa Clara MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 161,790 | $175,110 |
| Management Occupations | 119,300 | $206,650 |
| Software Developers | 96,590 | $199,100 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 93,740 | $59,850 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 90,500 | $120,970 |
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: Santa Clara sees only 13.5 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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Los Angeles vs Santa Clara?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $173,670 in Santa Clara vs $80,366 in Los Angeles β a 116.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Los Angeles to Santa Clara?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 345 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Santa Clara, CA from Los Angeles, CA?
The driving distance is 345 mi and the route typically takes 6h 30m via I 5 and CA 152. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Santa Clara compare to Los Angeles?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $81,470 in the Santa Clara MSA vs $50,490 in the Los Angeles MSA, on total employment of 1,141,820 and 6,185,570 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Santa Clara more expensive than Los Angeles?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Santa Clara is 2.8% lower than Los Angeles (110.423 vs 113.566, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Santa Clara compared to Los Angeles?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,782,192 in Santa Clara vs $952,183 in Los Angeles β a 87.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Los Angeles.
City profiles: Los Angeles, CA Β· Santa Clara, CA.