Moving from Palmdale, CA to Thousand Oaks, CA
Relocating between Palmdale, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA is a 71 mi drive β 1h 28m 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.
71 mi Β· 1h 28m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 14, CA 118, US 6 HIST |
| Major cities en route | Lancaster, El Monte, Santa Clarita, Glendale, Pasadena |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Palmdale | Thousand Oaks | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 113.566 | 110.534 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.589 | 152.925 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 106.623 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 170.433 | 171.096 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 113.566 vs 110.534 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 2.7% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $501,257 to $1,049,634 moving to Thousand Oaks.
YoY change: Palmdale -1.3%, Thousand Oaks 0.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Palmdale | Thousand Oaks |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 35Β°F | 45Β°F |
| July avg high | 98Β°F | 78Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 7.3" | 12.0" |
Annual average temperatures in Palmdale (63.6Β°F) and Thousand Oaks (62.5Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PALMDALE, CA US, CAMARILLO AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Palmdale | Thousand Oaks |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 165,487 | 125,676 |
| Median household income | $81,151 | $134,367 |
| Median age | 33.2 | 44.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 11.4% | 29.5% |
| Avg household size | 3.56 | 2.72 |
Expect median household income to rise 2.7% β $81,151 β $134,367 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Thousand Oaks 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
- Dry climate: Thousand Oaks sees only 12.0 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 Thousand Oaks more expensive than Palmdale?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Thousand Oaks is 2.7% lower than Palmdale (110.534 vs 113.566, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Palmdale to Thousand Oaks?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 71 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Thousand Oaks, CA from Palmdale, CA?
The driving distance is 71 mi and the route typically takes 1h 28m via CA 14 and CA 118. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Thousand Oaks compared to Palmdale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,049,634 in Thousand Oaks vs $501,257 in Palmdale β a 109.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Thousand Oaks compare to Palmdale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,380 in the Thousand Oaks MSA vs $50,490 in the Palmdale MSA, on total employment of 315,720 and 6,185,570 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Palmdale vs Thousand Oaks?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $134,367 in Thousand Oaks vs $81,151 in Palmdale β a 65.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Palmdale.
City profiles: Palmdale, CA Β· Thousand Oaks, CA.