Moving from Ontario, CA to Arvada, CO
Relocating 979 mi from Ontario to Arvada is a 17h 9m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
979 mi Β· 17h 9m by car Β· CA β NV β AZ β UT β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β NV β AZ β UT β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 15, US 66 HIST |
| Major cities en route | Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, Garden Grove, Corona |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Ontario | Arvada | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 106.442 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.641 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 101.431 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 129.312 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 106.442 vs 105.782 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 around 0.6% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Ontario -1.7%, Arvada -2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Ontario | Arvada |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 45Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 75.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | 17.1" |
Expect 16.5Β°F colder on average per year β plan for heating load and winter gear.
Arvada averages 75.5 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ONTARIO INTL AP, CA US, WHEAT RIDGE 2, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Ontario | Arvada |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 178,347 | 122,835 |
| Median household income | $82,806 | $113,396 |
| Median age | 33.1 | 40.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.1% | 31.7% |
| Avg household size | 3.39 | 2.47 |
Expect median household income to rise 0.6% β $82,806 β $113,396 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Arvada MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 173,910 | $49,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 172,890 | $48,280 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 164,250 | $84,370 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 140,150 | $36,010 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 129,510 | $45,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between California and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Arvada averages 75.5 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (16.5Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Arvada, CO from Ontario, CA?
The driving distance is 979 mi and the route typically takes 17h 9m via I 70 and I 15. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Arvada more expensive than Ontario?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Arvada is 0.6% lower than Ontario (105.782 vs 106.442, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Arvada compare to Ontario?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Arvada MSA vs $47,450 in the Ontario MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 1,661,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Ontario to Arvada?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 979 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Arvada compared to Ontario?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $616,566 in Arvada vs $672,742 in Ontario β a 8.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Ontario vs Arvada?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,396 in Arvada vs $82,806 in Ontario β a 36.9% 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 Ontario.
City profiles: Ontario, CA Β· Arvada, CO.