Moving from Clovis, CA to Santa Ana, CA
The 257 mi from Clovis to Santa Ana translate to about 4h 57m 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.
257 mi · 4h 57m by car · CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 99, I 5, I 5 TRUCK |
| Major cities en route | Irvine, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Anaheim, Corona |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Clovis | Santa Ana | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.158 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 161.01 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 95.725 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 102.158 in Clovis to 113.566 in Santa Ana, a 11.2% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Santa Ana: 11.2% above Clovis on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Clovis 0.0%, Santa Ana -0.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Clovis | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65°F | 66°F |
| January avg low | 41°F | 49°F |
| July avg high | 98°F | 83°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.0" | 12.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Effectively snow-free year in Santa Ana — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: FRESNO YOSEMITE INTL AP, CA US, SANTA ANA FIRE STN, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Clovis | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 122,719 | 311,639 |
| Median household income | $100,360 | $88,354 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.9% | 12.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.99 | 3.91 |
Income steps down 11.2%: $100,360 in Clovis vs $88,354 in Santa Ana.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Santa Ana 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
- Dry climate: Santa Ana sees only 12.5 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 household income compare in Clovis vs Santa Ana?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,354 in Santa Ana vs $100,360 in Clovis — a 12.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Clovis to Santa Ana?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 257 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Santa Ana more expensive than Clovis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Santa Ana is 11.2% higher than Clovis (113.566 vs 102.158, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Santa Ana, CA from Clovis, CA?
The driving distance is 257 mi and the route typically takes 4h 57m via CA 99 and I 5. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Santa Ana compare to Clovis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Santa Ana MSA vs $44,530 in the Clovis MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 408,820 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Clovis and Santa Ana?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.1°F in Santa Ana vs 65.0°F in Clovis (1.1°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 12.5 in vs 11.0 in.
How much do homes cost in Santa Ana compared to Clovis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $866,066 in Santa Ana vs $521,708 in Clovis — a 66.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Clovis.
City profiles: Clovis, CA · Santa Ana, CA.