Moving from El Monte, CA to Glendale, AZ
The 357 mi from El Monte to Glendale translate to about 6h 29m behind the wheel through 2 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.
357 mi · 6h 29m by car · AZ → CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 95, I 10 EXPR |
| Major cities en route | Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria, Mesa, Chandler |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| El Monte | Glendale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 113.566 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.589 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 106.623 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 170.433 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Glendale is 9.0% cheaper than El Monte overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Glendale is 9.0% below El Monte — $765,444 vs $407,332 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: El Monte +0.8%, Glendale -2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | El Monte | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66°F | 72°F |
| January avg low | 46°F | 41°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 105°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 15.7" | 8.3" |
Climate warms by 5.9°F on the annual average — 66.0°F → 71.9°F.
Glendale gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SAN GABRIEL FIRE DEPT, CA US, YOUNGTOWN, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | El Monte | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,066 | 250,193 |
| Median household income | $64,484 | $70,139 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 11.4% | 15.4% |
| Avg household size | 3.62 | 2.88 |
Income steps up 9.0%: $64,484 in El Monte vs $70,139 in Glendale.
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 | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between California and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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
- 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Glendale average 105°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Glendale sees only 8.3 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Glendale compare to El Monte?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Glendale MSA vs $50,490 in the El Monte MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 6,185,570 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in El Monte vs Glendale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $70,139 in Glendale vs $64,484 in El Monte — a 8.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between El Monte and Glendale?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 71.9°F in Glendale vs 66.0°F in El Monte (5.9°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 8.3 in vs 15.7 in.
How much do homes cost in Glendale compared to El Monte?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $407,332 in Glendale vs $765,444 in El Monte — a 46.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Glendale, AZ from El Monte, CA?
The driving distance is 357 mi and the route typically takes 6h 29m via I 10 and US 95. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Glendale more expensive than El Monte?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Glendale is 9.0% lower than El Monte (103.316 vs 113.566, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from El Monte to Glendale?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 357 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from El Monte.
City profiles: El Monte, CA · Glendale, AZ.