Moving from Sunnyvale, CA to Torrance, CA
It is a 362 mi drive, roughly 6h 53m, between Sunnyvale, CA and Torrance, CA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
362 mi Β· 6h 53m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, I 5 TRUCK, CA 152 |
| Major cities en route | Oakland, Hayward, San Mateo, Fremont, Santa Clara |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sunnyvale | Torrance | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 110.423 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 156.659 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 211.901 | 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
2.8% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Sunnyvale -0.1%, Torrance +0.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sunnyvale | Torrance |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 42Β°F | 47Β°F |
| July avg high | 77Β°F | 76Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 13.5" | 13.8" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MOFFETT FEDERAL AIRFIELD, CA US, REDONDO BEACH, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sunnyvale | Torrance |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 153,455 | 143,499 |
| Median household income | $181,862 | $113,105 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 43.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.3% | 34.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.61 | 2.59 |
Torrance households earn about 2.8% less than Sunnyvale at the median β $181,862 β $113,105 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Torrance 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: Torrance sees only 13.8 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 much do homes cost in Torrance compared to Sunnyvale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,124,932 in Torrance vs $2,168,909 in Sunnyvale β a 48.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Sunnyvale to Torrance?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 362 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Torrance more expensive than Sunnyvale?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Torrance is 2.8% higher than Sunnyvale (113.566 vs 110.423, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Torrance, CA from Sunnyvale, CA?
The driving distance is 362 mi and the route typically takes 6h 53m via I 5 and I 5 TRUCK. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Sunnyvale vs Torrance?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,105 in Torrance vs $181,862 in Sunnyvale β a 37.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Torrance compare to Sunnyvale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Torrance MSA vs $81,470 in the Sunnyvale MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 1,141,820 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 Sunnyvale.
City profiles: Sunnyvale, CA Β· Torrance, CA.