Moving from Clearwater, FL to Palmdale, CA
Cross-country relocations like Clearwater, FL β Palmdale, CA cover 2504 mi and about 44h 57m of driving through 8 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
2504 mi Β· 44h 57m by car Β· CA β AZ β NM β TX β LA β MS β AL β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β AZ β NM β TX β LA β MS β AL β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 19, US 180 |
| Major cities en route | Santa Clarita, Lancaster, Glendale, Pasadena, Victorville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Clearwater | Palmdale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.89 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.525 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.47 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.839 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 100.89 in Clearwater to 113.566 in Palmdale, a 12.6% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Palmdale: 12.6% above Clearwater on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Clearwater -5.1%, Palmdale -1.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Clearwater | Palmdale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 74Β°F | 64Β°F |
| January avg low | 53Β°F | 35Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 98Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 53.6" | 7.3" |
Climate cools by 10.3Β°F on the annual average β 73.9Β°F β 63.6Β°F.
Effectively snow-free year in Palmdale β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST PETERSBURG INTL AP, FL US, PALMDALE, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Clearwater | Palmdale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,075 | 165,487 |
| Median household income | $64,440 | $81,151 |
| Median age | 46.4 | 33.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.6% | 11.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 3.56 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 12.6% between Clearwater and Palmdale (ACS 2023).
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.
Moving between Florida 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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
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 98Β°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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.3Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 the job market in Palmdale compare to Clearwater?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Palmdale MSA vs $46,420 in the Clearwater MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 1,412,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Palmdale compared to Clearwater?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $501,257 in Palmdale vs $339,488 in Clearwater β a 47.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Palmdale, CA from Clearwater, FL?
The driving distance is 2504 mi and the route typically takes 44h 57m via I 10 and US 19. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Clearwater to Palmdale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2504 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Clearwater vs Palmdale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,151 in Palmdale vs $64,440 in Clearwater β a 25.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Palmdale more expensive than Clearwater?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Palmdale is 12.6% higher than Clearwater (113.566 vs 100.89, 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 Clearwater.
City profiles: Clearwater, FL Β· Palmdale, CA.