Moving from Richmond, CA to Fullerton, CA
Relocating between Richmond, CA and Fullerton, CA is a 408 mi drive β 7h 42m 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.
408 mi Β· 7h 42m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, I 580, I 5 TRUCK |
| Major cities en route | Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Richmond | Fullerton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 115.613 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 172.585 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 108.465 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 194.718 | 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
1.8% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Richmond -5.4%, Fullerton -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Richmond | Fullerton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 44Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 71Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 24.4" | 11.9" |
Expect 7.4Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RICHMOND, CA US, FULLERTON MUNI AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Richmond | Fullerton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,396 | 141,278 |
| Median household income | $90,038 | $104,219 |
| Median age | 37.6 | 36.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.2% | 27.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.85 | 2.98 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 1.8% higher in Fullerton than Richmond.
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
Is Fullerton more expensive than Richmond?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fullerton is 1.8% lower than Richmond (113.566 vs 115.613, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Richmond to Fullerton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 408 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 Fullerton compare to Richmond?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Fullerton MSA vs $72,050 in the Richmond MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 2,422,210 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Richmond vs Fullerton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $104,219 in Fullerton vs $90,038 in Richmond β a 15.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Fullerton, CA from Richmond, CA?
The driving distance is 408 mi and the route typically takes 7h 42m via I 5 and I 580. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Fullerton compared to Richmond?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,050,945 in Fullerton vs $606,427 in Richmond β a 73.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Richmond.
City profiles: Richmond, CA Β· Fullerton, CA.