Moving from Palmdale, CA to Fullerton, CA
Relocating between Palmdale, CA and Fullerton, CA is a 90 mi drive β 1h 49m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
90 mi Β· 1h 49m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 14, I 5 TRUCK, I 5 |
| Major cities en route | Lancaster, Santa Clarita, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Burbank |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Palmdale | Fullerton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 113.566 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.589 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 106.623 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 170.433 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
0.0% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Palmdale -1.3%, Fullerton -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Palmdale | Fullerton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 35Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 98Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 7.3" | 11.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PALMDALE, CA US, FULLERTON MUNI AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Palmdale | Fullerton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 165,487 | 141,278 |
| Median household income | $81,151 | $104,219 |
| Median age | 33.2 | 36.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 11.4% | 27.4% |
| Avg household size | 3.56 | 2.98 |
Expect median household income to rise 0.0% β $81,151 β $104,219 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Fullerton 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: Fullerton sees only 11.9 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 does household income compare in Palmdale vs Fullerton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $104,219 in Fullerton vs $81,151 in Palmdale β a 28.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Fullerton, CA from Palmdale, CA?
The driving distance is 90 mi and the route typically takes 1h 49m via CA 14 and I 5 TRUCK. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Fullerton compared to Palmdale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,050,945 in Fullerton vs $501,257 in Palmdale β a 109.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Fullerton compare to Palmdale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Fullerton MSA vs $50,490 in the Palmdale MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 6,185,570 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Palmdale to Fullerton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 90 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Palmdale.
City profiles: Palmdale, CA Β· Fullerton, CA.