Moving from Simi Valley, CA to Orange, CA
The 70 mi from Simi Valley to Orange translate to about 1h 25m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — 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.
70 mi · 1h 25m by car · CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, CA 118 |
| Major cities en route | Anaheim, Riverside, Irvine, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Simi Valley | Orange | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 110.534 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 152.925 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 171.096 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Orange and Simi Valley are close on the overall BEA RPP (110.534 vs 113.566); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Orange typical home at $1,143,788 is 2.7% above Simi Valley at $844,909 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Simi Valley -2.5%, Orange +0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Simi Valley | Orange |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66°F | 66°F |
| January avg low | 43°F | 49°F |
| July avg high | 95°F | 83°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 16.4" | 12.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 66.3°F vs 66.1°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Orange sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WOODLAND HILLS PIERCE COLLEGE, CA US, SANTA ANA FIRE STN, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Simi Valley | Orange |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,769 | 138,723 |
| Median household income | $117,703 | $116,945 |
| Median age | 41.8 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 25.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.84 | 3.09 |
Household income lines up — $117,703 vs $116,945 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Orange 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 20–30% 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: Orange sees only 12.5 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 — 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
What is the climate difference between Simi Valley and Orange?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.1°F in Orange vs 66.3°F in Simi Valley (0.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 12.5 in vs 16.4 in.
Is Orange more expensive than Simi Valley?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Orange is 2.7% higher than Simi Valley (113.566 vs 110.534, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Simi Valley to Orange?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 70 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Simi Valley vs Orange?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $116,945 in Orange vs $117,703 in Simi Valley — a 0.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Orange compared to Simi Valley?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,143,788 in Orange vs $844,909 in Simi Valley — a 35.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Orange, CA from Simi Valley, CA?
The driving distance is 70 mi and the route typically takes 1h 25m via I 5 and CA 118. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Orange compare to Simi Valley?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Orange MSA vs $48,380 in the Simi Valley MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 315,720 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Simi Valley.
City profiles: Simi Valley, CA · Orange, CA.