Moving from Ontario, CA to Simi Valley, CA
The 77 mi from Ontario to Simi Valley translate to about 1h 36m 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.
77 mi Β· 1h 36m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 210, CA 118, I 5 |
| Major cities en route | Riverside, San Bernardino, Fontana, Moreno Valley, Rancho Cucamonga |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Ontario | Simi Valley | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 106.442 | 110.534 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.641 | 152.925 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 101.431 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 129.312 | 171.096 | 100.0 |
Simi Valley and Ontario are close on the overall BEA RPP (106.442 vs 110.534); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Simi Valley typical home at $844,909 is 3.8% above Ontario at $672,742 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Ontario -1.7%, Simi Valley -2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Ontario | Simi Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 45Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | 16.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 66.8Β°F vs 66.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Simi Valley sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ONTARIO INTL AP, CA US, WOODLAND HILLS PIERCE COLLEGE, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Ontario | Simi Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 178,347 | 125,769 |
| Median household income | $82,806 | $117,703 |
| Median age | 33.1 | 41.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.1% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 3.39 | 2.84 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 3.8% between Ontario and Simi Valley (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Simi Valley 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.
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 Simi Valley average 95Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Ontario to Simi Valley?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 77 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 Simi Valley compared to Ontario?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $844,909 in Simi Valley vs $672,742 in Ontario β a 25.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Ontario vs Simi Valley?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $117,703 in Simi Valley vs $82,806 in Ontario β a 42.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Simi Valley compare to Ontario?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,380 in the Simi Valley MSA vs $47,450 in the Ontario MSA, on total employment of 315,720 and 1,661,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Simi Valley, CA from Ontario, CA?
The driving distance is 77 mi and the route typically takes 1h 36m via I 210 and CA 118. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Simi Valley more expensive than Ontario?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Simi Valley is 3.8% higher than Ontario (110.534 vs 106.442, 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 Ontario.
City profiles: Ontario, CA Β· Simi Valley, CA.