Moving from Miramar, FL to Downey, CA
It is 2724 mi and 47h 50m from Miramar to Downey β a cross-country move across 8 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
2724 mi Β· 47h 50m by car Β· FL β AL β MS β LA β TX β NM β AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | FL β AL β MS β LA β TX β NM β AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 87, US 90 |
| Major cities en route | Miami, Hialeah, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Miami Gardens |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Miramar | Downey | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 114.155 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 97.235 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.556 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 155.551 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 114.155 vs 113.566 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 0.5% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $518,019 to $888,710 moving to Downey.
YoY change: Miramar -3.9%, Downey +1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Miramar | Downey |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 77Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 59Β°F | 47Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 62.7" | 12.0" |
Expect 12.0Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MIAMI OPA LOCKA AP, FL US, LONG BEACH DAUGHERTY FLD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Miramar | Downey |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,986 | 111,793 |
| Median household income | $86,109 | $87,400 |
| Median age | 39.5 | 37 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.4% | 17.8% |
| Avg household size | 3.06 | 3.22 |
Median household incomes in Miramar ($86,109) and Downey ($87,400) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
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.
Moving between Florida 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
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- 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
- 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (12.0Β°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 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
When is the best time to move from Miramar to Downey?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2724 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Downey compare to Miramar?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Downey MSA vs $46,510 in the Miramar MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 2,721,490 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Downey, CA from Miramar, FL?
The driving distance is 2724 mi and the route typically takes 47h 50m via I 10 and US 87. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Downey more expensive than Miramar?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Downey is 0.5% lower than Miramar (113.566 vs 114.155, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Miramar vs Downey?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $87,400 in Downey vs $86,109 in Miramar β a 1.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Downey compared to Miramar?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $888,710 in Downey vs $518,019 in Miramar β a 71.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Miramar.
City profiles: Miramar, FL Β· Downey, CA.