Moving from Ontario, CA to Palmdale, CA
The 73 mi from Ontario to Palmdale translate to about 1h 40m 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.
73 mi Β· 1h 40m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 138, I 15 |
| 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 | Palmdale | 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 |
Moderate COL step-up: 6.7% pricier overall in Palmdale than Ontario on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Palmdale typical home at $501,257 is 6.7% under Ontario at $672,742 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Ontario -1.7%, Palmdale -1.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Ontario | Palmdale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 64Β°F |
| January avg low | 45Β°F | 35Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 98Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | 7.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 66.8Β°F vs 63.6Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Palmdale sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ONTARIO INTL AP, CA US, PALMDALE, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Ontario | Palmdale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 178,347 | 165,487 |
| Median household income | $82,806 | $81,151 |
| Median age | 33.1 | 33.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.1% | 11.4% |
| Avg household size | 3.39 | 3.56 |
Household income lines up β $82,806 vs $81,151 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Palmdale 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Palmdale average 98Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Palmdale sees only 7.3 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
Is Palmdale more expensive than Ontario?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Palmdale is 6.7% higher than Ontario (113.566 vs 106.442, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Ontario to Palmdale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 73 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Ontario vs Palmdale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,151 in Palmdale vs $82,806 in Ontario β a 2.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Palmdale, CA from Ontario, CA?
The driving distance is 73 mi and the route typically takes 1h 40m via CA 138 and I 15. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Palmdale compare to Ontario?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Palmdale 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.
How much do homes cost in Palmdale compared to Ontario?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $501,257 in Palmdale vs $672,742 in Ontario β a 25.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Ontario.
City profiles: Ontario, CA Β· Palmdale, CA.