Moving from Yonkers, NY to Richmond, CA
Moving from Yonkers, NY to Richmond, CA is a 2902 mi cross-country relocation — about 51h 2m of driving through 12 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
2902 mi · 51h 2m by car · NY → NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL → IA → NE → WY → UT → NV → CA
Distance & route
| Route through | NY → NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL → IA → NE → WY → UT → NV → CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 80 EXPRESS, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Stamford, New York, Jersey City, Newark, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Yonkers | Richmond | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 115.613 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 172.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 108.465 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 194.718 | 100.0 |
Richmond and Yonkers are close on the overall BEA RPP (112.563 vs 115.613); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 2.7% lower in Richmond than Yonkers as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Yonkers +5.9%, Richmond -5.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Yonkers | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 23°F | 44°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 71°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.7" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.2" | 24.4" |
Richmond runs 5.4°F warmer on the annual average (53.4°F vs 58.8°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Richmond sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DOBBS FERRY-ARDSLEY, NY US, RICHMOND, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Yonkers | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 209,529 | 115,396 |
| Median household income | $81,816 | $90,038 |
| Median age | 39 | 37.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.6% | 20.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.85 |
Median household income in Richmond is 2.7% above Yonkers ($81,816 → $90,038, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Richmond MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 244,380 | $59,630 |
| Management Occupations | 237,070 | $171,350 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 211,250 | $104,950 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 194,040 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 183,930 | $49,390 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New York 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- 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
- 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.
- Register to vote in California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Richmond compared to Yonkers?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $606,427 in Richmond vs $680,218 in Yonkers — a 10.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Yonkers and Richmond?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 58.8°F in Richmond vs 53.4°F in Yonkers (5.4°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 32.7 in. Annual precipitation: 24.4 in vs 51.2 in.
How far is Richmond, CA from Yonkers, NY?
The driving distance is 2902 mi and the route typically takes 51h 2m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. The trip crosses 12 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Yonkers vs Richmond?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,038 in Richmond vs $81,816 in Yonkers — a 10.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Richmond compare to Yonkers?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $72,050 in the Richmond MSA vs $59,390 in the Yonkers MSA, on total employment of 2,422,210 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Richmond more expensive than Yonkers?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Richmond is 2.7% higher than Yonkers (115.613 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Yonkers to Richmond?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2902 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 Yonkers.
City profiles: Yonkers, NY · Richmond, CA.