Moving from Surprise, AZ to Jurupa Valley, CA
Relocating between Surprise, AZ and Jurupa Valley, CA is a 323 mi drive β 5h 52m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
323 mi Β· 5h 52m 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, Tempe, Goodyear |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Surprise | Jurupa Valley | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 106.442 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 148.641 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 101.431 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 129.312 | 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
3.0% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Surprise -2.4%, Jurupa Valley -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Surprise | Jurupa Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 44Β°F |
| July avg high | 105Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 9.6" | 9.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WITTMANN 1SE, AZ US, RIVERSIDE MUNI AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Surprise | Jurupa Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,519 | 106,244 |
| Median household income | $93,371 | $96,190 |
| Median age | 41.6 | 33.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 10.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 3.92 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Jurupa Valley MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 267,890 | $47,210 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 177,100 | $47,040 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 167,590 | $34,570 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 136,950 | $36,420 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 115,940 | $32,240 |
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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Jurupa Valley average 93Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Jurupa Valley sees only 9.4 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 household income compare in Surprise vs Jurupa Valley?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,190 in Jurupa Valley vs $93,371 in Surprise β a 3.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Jurupa Valley, CA from Surprise, AZ?
The driving distance is 323 mi and the route typically takes 5h 52m via I 10 and US 95. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Surprise to Jurupa Valley?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 323 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Jurupa Valley compared to Surprise?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $672,514 in Jurupa Valley vs $422,473 in Surprise β a 59.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Jurupa Valley compare to Surprise?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,450 in the Jurupa Valley MSA vs $48,600 in the Surprise MSA, on total employment of 1,661,860 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Jurupa Valley more expensive than Surprise?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jurupa Valley is 3.0% higher than Surprise (106.442 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Surprise.
City profiles: Surprise, AZ Β· Jurupa Valley, CA.