Moving from Carlsbad, CA to Glendale, CA
The 103 mi from Carlsbad to Glendale translate to about 2h 11m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β 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.
103 mi Β· 2h 11m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, CA 2, S12 |
| Major cities en route | Santa Clarita, Simi Valley, Burbank, Palmdale, Pasadena |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Carlsbad | Glendale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.887 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 174.247 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.963 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 179.267 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Glendale and Carlsbad are close on the overall BEA RPP (111.887 vs 113.566); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 1.5% lower in Glendale than Carlsbad as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Carlsbad -3.9%, Glendale -0.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Carlsbad | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 48Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 74Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.4" | 16.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 62.5Β°F vs 64.5Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Glendale sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CARLSBAD PALOMAR AP, CA US, BURBANK VALLEY PUMP PLT, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Carlsbad | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,500 | 192,270 |
| Median household income | $139,326 | $84,262 |
| Median age | 42.8 | 41.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 36.8% | 28.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.63 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 1.5% between Carlsbad and Glendale (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Glendale 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 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
- 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 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.
Frequently asked
How far is Glendale, CA from Carlsbad, CA?
The driving distance is 103 mi and the route typically takes 2h 11m via I 5 and CA 2. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Carlsbad to Glendale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 103 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Glendale compare to Carlsbad?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Glendale MSA vs $53,090 in the Carlsbad MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 1,522,620 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Glendale more expensive than Carlsbad?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Glendale is 1.5% higher than Carlsbad (113.566 vs 111.887, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Carlsbad vs Glendale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $84,262 in Glendale vs $139,326 in Carlsbad β a 39.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Glendale compared to Carlsbad?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,201,880 in Glendale vs $1,370,649 in Carlsbad β a 12.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Carlsbad.
City profiles: Carlsbad, CA Β· Glendale, CA.