Moving from Ontario, CA to Los Angeles, CA
The 50 mi from Ontario to Los Angeles translate to about 1h 3m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
50 mi Β· 1h 3m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 60, I 10 |
| Major cities en route | Torrance, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Santa Clarita, Inglewood |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Ontario | Los Angeles | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 106.442 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.641 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 101.431 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 129.312 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Los Angeles is 6.7% higher than Ontario, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Los Angeles is 6.7% above Ontario β $672,742 vs $952,183 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Ontario -1.7%, Los Angeles -1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Ontario | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 64Β°F |
| January avg low | 45Β°F | 48Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 78Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | 14.1" |
Annual average temperatures in Ontario (66.8Β°F) and Los Angeles (63.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Los Angeles gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ONTARIO INTL AP, CA US, CULVER CITY, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Ontario | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 178,347 | 3,857,897 |
| Median household income | $82,806 | $80,366 |
| Median age | 33.1 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.1% | 24.5% |
| Avg household size | 3.39 | 2.72 |
Median household incomes in Ontario ($82,806) and Los Angeles ($80,366) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Los Angeles 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: Los Angeles sees only 14.1 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 much do homes cost in Los Angeles compared to Ontario?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $952,183 in Los Angeles vs $672,742 in Ontario β a 41.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Los Angeles, CA from Ontario, CA?
The driving distance is 50 mi and the route typically takes 1h 3m via CA 60 and I 10. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Ontario vs Los Angeles?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $80,366 in Los Angeles vs $82,806 in Ontario β a 2.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Ontario to Los Angeles?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 50 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Los Angeles more expensive than Ontario?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Los Angeles is 6.7% higher than Ontario (113.566 vs 106.442, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Los Angeles compare to Ontario?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Los Angeles MSA vs $47,450 in the Ontario MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 1,661,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Ontario.
City profiles: Ontario, CA Β· Los Angeles, CA.