Moving from Peoria, AZ to Downey, CA
Relocating between Peoria, AZ and Downey, CA is a 377 mi drive β 6h 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.
377 mi Β· 6h 49m by car Β· AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 95, AZ 303 LOOP |
| Major cities en route | Scottsdale, Phoenix, Surprise, Glendale, Tempe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Peoria | Downey | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Downey runs about 9.9% more expensive overall than Peoria β RPP 103.316 β 113.566.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $488,596 in Peoria to $888,710 in Downey, a 9.9% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Peoria -1.6%, Downey +1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Peoria | Downey |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 47Β°F |
| July avg high | 105Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 9.6" | 12.0" |
Expect 5.3Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WITTMANN 1SE, AZ US, LONG BEACH DAUGHERTY FLD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Peoria | Downey |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 194,338 | 111,793 |
| Median household income | $93,403 | $87,400 |
| Median age | 42.1 | 37 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 17.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.66 | 3.22 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 9.9% lower in Downey than Peoria.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Downey 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.
Moving between Arizona and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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-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
- Dry climate: Downey 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.
- Register to vote in California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Downey, CA from Peoria, AZ?
The driving distance is 377 mi and the route typically takes 6h 49m via I 10 and US 95. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Peoria to Downey?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 377 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 Downey compared to Peoria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $888,710 in Downey vs $488,596 in Peoria β a 81.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Downey more expensive than Peoria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Downey is 9.9% higher than Peoria (113.566 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Downey compare to Peoria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Downey MSA vs $48,600 in the Peoria MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Peoria vs Downey?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $87,400 in Downey vs $93,403 in Peoria β a 6.4% lower 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 Peoria.
City profiles: Peoria, AZ Β· Downey, CA.