Moving from Albuquerque, NM to Oxnard, CA
Relocating 843 mi from Albuquerque to Oxnard is a 14h 47m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
843 mi Β· 14h 47m by car Β· NM β AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | NM β AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 66 HIST, I 15 |
| Major cities en route | Rio Rancho, Victorville, San Bernardino, Fontana, Rialto |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Albuquerque | Oxnard | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.546 | 110.534 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.852 | 152.925 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.144 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 89.153 | 171.096 | 100.0 |
Oxnard runs about 15.7% more expensive overall than Albuquerque β RPP 95.546 β 110.534.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $344,457 in Albuquerque to $767,291 in Oxnard, a 15.7% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Albuquerque +0.9%, Oxnard -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Albuquerque | Oxnard |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 73Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 12.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 56.7Β°F vs 61.2Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RIO GRANDE NATURE CTR, NM US, OXNARD VENTURA CO AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Albuquerque | Oxnard |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 562,488 | 201,014 |
| Median household income | $65,604 | $93,372 |
| Median age | 38.7 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.9% | 13.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 3.88 |
Expect median household income to rise 15.7% β $65,604 β $93,372 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Oxnard MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 35,690 | $47,840 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 33,940 | $34,820 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 29,050 | $37,470 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 23,520 | $39,670 |
| Management Occupations | 20,990 | $124,680 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Mexico 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
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- 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: Oxnard sees only 12.9 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
Is Oxnard more expensive than Albuquerque?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Oxnard is 15.7% higher than Albuquerque (110.534 vs 95.546, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Oxnard compare to Albuquerque?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,380 in the Oxnard MSA vs $44,780 in the Albuquerque MSA, on total employment of 315,720 and 396,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Albuquerque vs Oxnard?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $93,372 in Oxnard vs $65,604 in Albuquerque β a 42.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Albuquerque to Oxnard?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 843 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Oxnard, CA from Albuquerque, NM?
The driving distance is 843 mi and the route typically takes 14h 47m via I 40 and US 66 HIST. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Oxnard compared to Albuquerque?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $767,291 in Oxnard vs $344,457 in Albuquerque β a 122.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Albuquerque.
City profiles: Albuquerque, NM Β· Oxnard, CA.