Moving from Oxnard, CA to Durham, NC
Cross-country relocations like Oxnard, CA β Durham, NC cover 2584 mi and about 45h 30m of driving through 9 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
2584 mi Β· 45h 30m by car Β· NC β VA β TN β AR β OK β TX β NM β AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β VA β TN β AR β OK β TX β NM β AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 52, US 66 HIST |
| Major cities en route | Raleigh, Cary, Greensboro, High Point, Winston Salem |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Oxnard | Durham | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 110.534 | 97.572 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 152.925 | 89.317 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 171.096 | 98.934 | 100.0 |
Durham is 11.7% cheaper than Oxnard overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Durham is 11.7% below Oxnard β $767,291 vs $396,395 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Oxnard -0.4%, Durham -2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Oxnard | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 46Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 73Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 12.9" | 48.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Oxnard (61.2Β°F) and Durham (58.4Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OXNARD VENTURA CO AP, CA US, DURHAM, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Oxnard | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 201,014 | 288,465 |
| Median household income | $93,372 | $79,234 |
| Median age | 34 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.4% | 28.8% |
| Avg household size | 3.88 | 2.34 |
Income steps down 11.7%: $93,372 in Oxnard vs $79,234 in Durham.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Durham MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 37,060 | $71,120 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 35,210 | $45,760 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 27,730 | $63,500 |
| Management Occupations | 27,600 | $133,520 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 27,050 | $82,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between California and North Carolina
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check North Carolina'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
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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
- Atlantic hurricane season runs August through October, particularly on the Outer Banks.
- 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 North Carolina after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Durham more expensive than Oxnard?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Durham is 11.7% lower than Oxnard (97.572 vs 110.534, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Durham compared to Oxnard?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $396,395 in Durham vs $767,291 in Oxnard β a 48.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Oxnard vs Durham?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $79,234 in Durham vs $93,372 in Oxnard β a 15.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Oxnard to Durham?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2584 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 Durham compare to Oxnard?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,480 in the Durham MSA vs $48,380 in the Oxnard MSA, on total employment of 336,100 and 315,720 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Durham, NC from Oxnard, CA?
The driving distance is 2584 mi and the route typically takes 45h 30m via I 40 and US 52. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Oxnard.
City profiles: Oxnard, CA Β· Durham, NC.