Moving from Sparks, NV to Oxnard, CA
The drive from Sparks, NV to Oxnard, CA runs 533 mi β about 10h 6m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
533 mi Β· 10h 6m by car Β· CA β NV
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β NV |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, I 80 BUSINESS, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | San Buenaventura, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Santa Clarita, Burbank |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sparks | Oxnard | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.014 | 110.534 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.274 | 152.925 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.271 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 123.478 | 171.096 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 101.014 in Sparks to 110.534 in Oxnard, a 9.4% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Oxnard: 9.4% above Sparks on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Sparks -0.5%, Oxnard -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sparks | Oxnard |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 25Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 73Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 6.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 8.4" | 12.9" |
Climate warms by 7.7Β°F on the annual average β 53.5Β°F β 61.2Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SPARKS, NV US, OXNARD VENTURA CO AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sparks | Oxnard |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 109,106 | 201,014 |
| Median household income | $86,979 | $93,372 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 13.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.64 | 3.88 |
Income steps up 9.4%: $86,979 in Sparks vs $93,372 in Oxnard.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Oxnard 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.
Moving between Nevada 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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Dry climate: Oxnard sees only 12.9 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.
- Register to vote in California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Oxnard compared to Sparks?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $767,291 in Oxnard vs $529,283 in Sparks β a 45.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Oxnard, CA from Sparks, NV?
The driving distance is 533 mi and the route typically takes 10h 6m via I 5 and I 80 BUSINESS. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Sparks to Oxnard?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 533 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Sparks vs Oxnard?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $93,372 in Oxnard vs $86,979 in Sparks β a 7.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Oxnard more expensive than Sparks?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Oxnard is 9.4% higher than Sparks (110.534 vs 101.014, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Oxnard compare to Sparks?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,380 in the Oxnard MSA vs $47,540 in the Sparks MSA, on total employment of 315,720 and 254,100 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 Sparks.
City profiles: Sparks, NV Β· Oxnard, CA.