Moving from Surprise, AZ to Fullerton, CA
It is a 356 mi drive, roughly 6h 31m, between Surprise, AZ and Fullerton, 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.
356 mi Β· 6h 31m by car Β· AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 95, CA 60 |
| Major cities en route | Peoria, Phoenix, Glendale, Goodyear, Tempe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Surprise | Fullerton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 9.9% above Surprise β 103.316 β 113.566 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
9.9% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Surprise -2.4%, Fullerton -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Surprise | Fullerton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 105Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 9.6" | 11.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WITTMANN 1SE, AZ US, FULLERTON MUNI AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Surprise | Fullerton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,519 | 141,278 |
| Median household income | $93,371 | $104,219 |
| Median age | 41.6 | 36.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 27.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 2.98 |
Households in Fullerton earn about 9.9% more at the median β ACS 5-year 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.
Moving between Arizona 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
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- 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.
- Register to vote in California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Fullerton compare to Surprise?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Fullerton MSA vs $48,600 in the Surprise MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Fullerton, CA from Surprise, AZ?
The driving distance is 356 mi and the route typically takes 6h 31m via I 10 and US 95. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Fullerton compared to Surprise?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,050,945 in Fullerton vs $422,473 in Surprise β a 148.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Surprise vs Fullerton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $104,219 in Fullerton vs $93,371 in Surprise β a 11.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Fullerton more expensive than Surprise?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fullerton is 9.9% higher than Surprise (113.566 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Surprise to Fullerton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 356 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Surprise.
City profiles: Surprise, AZ Β· Fullerton, CA.