Moving from Downey, CA to Moreno Valley, CA
The 63 mi from Downey to Moreno Valley translate to about 1h 18m 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.
63 mi Β· 1h 18m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 60, I 605, I 215 |
| Major cities en route | Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, Riverside, San Bernardino |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Downey | Moreno Valley | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 113.566 | 106.442 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.589 | 148.641 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 106.623 | 101.431 | 100.0 |
| Services | 170.433 | 129.312 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 113.566 to 106.442, putting Moreno Valley roughly 6.3% below Downey on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Moreno Valley: 6.3% below Downey on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Downey +1.2%, Moreno Valley -1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Downey | Moreno Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 47Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 12.0" | 10.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LONG BEACH DAUGHERTY FLD, CA US, MARCH AFB, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Downey | Moreno Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 111,793 | 210,378 |
| Median household income | $87,400 | $87,477 |
| Median age | 37 | 32.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.8% | 12.1% |
| Avg household size | 3.22 | 3.84 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Moreno Valley MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 267,890 | $47,210 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 177,100 | $47,040 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 167,590 | $34,570 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 136,950 | $36,420 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 115,940 | $32,240 |
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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Moreno Valley average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Moreno Valley sees only 10.7 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.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Downey to Moreno Valley?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 63 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Moreno Valley compared to Downey?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $551,284 in Moreno Valley vs $888,710 in Downey β a 38.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Downey vs Moreno Valley?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $87,477 in Moreno Valley vs $87,400 in Downey β a 0.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Moreno Valley compare to Downey?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,450 in the Moreno Valley MSA vs $50,490 in the Downey MSA, on total employment of 1,661,860 and 6,185,570 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Moreno Valley, CA from Downey, CA?
The driving distance is 63 mi and the route typically takes 1h 18m via CA 60 and I 605. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Moreno Valley more expensive than Downey?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Moreno Valley is 6.3% lower than Downey (106.442 vs 113.566, 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 Downey.
City profiles: Downey, CA Β· Moreno Valley, CA.