Moving from West Covina, CA to Palmdale, CA
The 65 mi from West Covina to Palmdale translate to about 1h 35m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — 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.
65 mi · 1h 35m by car · CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | N3, FH 59, I 210 |
| Major cities en route | Lancaster, Santa Clarita, Glendale, Burbank, Los Angeles |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| West Covina | Palmdale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 113.566 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.589 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 106.623 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 170.433 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Palmdale and West Covina are close on the overall BEA RPP (113.566 vs 113.566); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Palmdale typical home at $501,257 is 0.0% under West Covina at $852,373 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: West Covina +0.7%, Palmdale -1.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | West Covina | Palmdale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65°F | 64°F |
| January avg low | 43°F | 35°F |
| July avg high | 90°F | 98°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.5" | 7.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 65.1°F vs 63.6°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Palmdale sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: POMONA/FAIRPLEX, CA US, PALMDALE, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | West Covina | Palmdale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,436 | 165,487 |
| Median household income | $98,570 | $81,151 |
| Median age | 40.1 | 33.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.4% | 11.4% |
| Avg household size | 3.3 | 3.56 |
Income steps down 0.0%: $98,570 in West Covina vs $81,151 in Palmdale.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Palmdale 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 20–30% 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Palmdale average 98°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Palmdale sees only 7.3 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 — 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 does the job market in Palmdale compare to West Covina?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Palmdale MSA vs $50,490 in the West Covina MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 6,185,570 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in West Covina vs Palmdale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,151 in Palmdale vs $98,570 in West Covina — a 17.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Palmdale, CA from West Covina, CA?
The driving distance is 65 mi and the route typically takes 1h 35m via N3 and FH 59. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between West Covina and Palmdale?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.6°F in Palmdale vs 65.1°F in West Covina (1.5°F colder). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 7.3 in vs 14.5 in.
How much do homes cost in Palmdale compared to West Covina?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $501,257 in Palmdale vs $852,373 in West Covina — a 41.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from West Covina to Palmdale?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 65 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — 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 West Covina.
City profiles: West Covina, CA · Palmdale, CA.