Moving from Stockton, CA to Fullerton, CA
The 366 mi from Stockton to Fullerton translate to about 6h 49m 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.
366 mi Β· 6h 49m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, I 5 TRUCK, CA 91 |
| Major cities en route | Antioch, Modesto, Bakersfield, Lancaster, Santa Clarita |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Stockton | Fullerton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.089 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.247 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 115.614 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 105.089 in Stockton to 113.566 in Fullerton, a 8.1% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Fullerton: 8.1% above Stockton on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Stockton -3.7%, Fullerton -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Stockton | Fullerton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 17.3" | 11.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: STOCKTON FIRE STN 4, CA US, FULLERTON MUNI AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Stockton | Fullerton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 320,470 | 141,278 |
| Median household income | $76,851 | $104,219 |
| Median age | 33.7 | 36.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13% | 27.4% |
| Avg household size | 3.26 | 2.98 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 8.1% between Stockton and Fullerton (ACS 2023).
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
How far is Fullerton, CA from Stockton, CA?
The driving distance is 366 mi and the route typically takes 6h 49m via I 5 and I 5 TRUCK. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Stockton to Fullerton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 366 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 Stockton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Fullerton MSA vs $48,370 in the Stockton MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 278,010 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Fullerton compared to Stockton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,050,945 in Fullerton vs $431,328 in Stockton β a 143.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Fullerton more expensive than Stockton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fullerton is 8.1% higher than Stockton (113.566 vs 105.089, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Stockton vs Fullerton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $104,219 in Fullerton vs $76,851 in Stockton β a 35.6% higher 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 Stockton.
City profiles: Stockton, CA Β· Fullerton, CA.