Moving from Simi Valley, CA to Ontario, CA
The 77 mi from Simi Valley to Ontario translate to about 1h 36m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
77 mi Β· 1h 36m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 210, CA 118, I 5 |
| Major cities en route | Riverside, San Bernardino, Fontana, Moreno Valley, Rancho Cucamonga |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Simi Valley | Ontario | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 110.534 | 106.442 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 152.925 | 148.641 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 101.431 | 100.0 |
| Services | 171.096 | 129.312 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Ontario and Simi Valley is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Ontario is 3.7% below Simi Valley β $844,909 vs $672,742 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Simi Valley -2.5%, Ontario -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Simi Valley | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 45Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 16.4" | 11.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Simi Valley (66.3Β°F) and Ontario (66.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WOODLAND HILLS PIERCE COLLEGE, CA US, ONTARIO INTL AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Simi Valley | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,769 | 178,347 |
| Median household income | $117,703 | $82,806 |
| Median age | 41.8 | 33.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 15.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.84 | 3.39 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 3.7% between Simi Valley and Ontario (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Ontario MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 267,890 | $47,210 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 177,100 | $47,040 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 167,590 | $34,570 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 136,950 | $36,420 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 115,940 | $32,240 |
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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Ontario average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Ontario sees only 11.6 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
When is the best time to move from Simi Valley to Ontario?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 77 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 Ontario compare to Simi Valley?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,450 in the Ontario MSA vs $48,380 in the Simi Valley MSA, on total employment of 1,661,860 and 315,720 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Ontario, CA from Simi Valley, CA?
The driving distance is 77 mi and the route typically takes 1h 36m via I 210 and CA 118. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Simi Valley vs Ontario?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $82,806 in Ontario vs $117,703 in Simi Valley β a 29.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Ontario more expensive than Simi Valley?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Ontario is 3.7% lower than Simi Valley (106.442 vs 110.534, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Ontario compared to Simi Valley?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $672,742 in Ontario vs $844,909 in Simi Valley β a 20.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Simi Valley.
City profiles: Simi Valley, CA Β· Ontario, CA.