Moving from Meridian, ID to Oxnard, CA
A move from Meridian, ID to Oxnard, CA covers 854 mi and around 16h 28m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
854 mi Β· 16h 28m by car Β· CA β NV β OR β ID
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β NV β OR β ID |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 95, US 6 HIST, US 395 |
| Major cities en route | San Buenaventura, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Santa Clarita, Los Angeles |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Meridian | Oxnard | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.391 | 110.534 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 70.695 | 152.925 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.179 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.58 | 171.096 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 12.3% pricier overall in Oxnard than Meridian on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Oxnard typical home at $767,291 is 12.3% above Meridian at $526,994 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Meridian 0.0%, Oxnard -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Meridian | Oxnard |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 73Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 17.6" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.5" | 12.9" |
Oxnard runs 8.0Β°F warmer on the annual average (53.2Β°F vs 61.2Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BOISE AIR TERMINAL, ID US, OXNARD VENTURA CO AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Meridian | Oxnard |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 124,865 | 201,014 |
| Median household income | $98,686 | $93,372 |
| Median age | 37.4 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.3% | 13.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 3.88 |
Median household income in Oxnard is 12.3% below Meridian ($98,686 β $93,372, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Oxnard MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 35,690 | $47,840 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 33,940 | $34,820 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 29,050 | $37,470 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 23,520 | $39,670 |
| Management Occupations | 20,990 | $124,680 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Idaho 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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Dry climate: Oxnard sees only 12.9 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.
- Register to vote in California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Meridian vs Oxnard?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $93,372 in Oxnard vs $98,686 in Meridian β a 5.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Oxnard compared to Meridian?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $767,291 in Oxnard vs $526,994 in Meridian β a 45.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Oxnard, CA from Meridian, ID?
The driving distance is 854 mi and the route typically takes 16h 28m via US 95 and US 6 HIST. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Oxnard compare to Meridian?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,380 in the Oxnard MSA vs $45,320 in the Meridian MSA, on total employment of 315,720 and 372,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Meridian to Oxnard?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 854 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Oxnard more expensive than Meridian?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Oxnard is 12.3% higher than Meridian (110.534 vs 98.391, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Meridian.
City profiles: Meridian, ID Β· Oxnard, CA.