Moving from Elk Grove, CA to Richmond, CA
The 84 mi from Elk Grove to Richmond translate to about 1h 43m 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.
84 mi Β· 1h 43m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, CA 99, US 50 |
| Major cities en route | Sacramento, Roseville, Fairfield, Antioch, Vallejo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elk Grove | Richmond | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 106.67 | 115.613 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 151.29 | 172.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 108.465 | 100.0 |
| Services | 130.23 | 194.718 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Richmond is 8.4% higher than Elk Grove, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values in Elk Grove and Richmond are within 5% of each other ($637,450 vs $606,427 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Elk Grove -3.5%, Richmond -5.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Elk Grove | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 44Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 71Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 18.1" | 24.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Elk Grove (61.8Β°F) and Richmond (58.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Richmond gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SACRAMENTO EXECUTIVE AP, CA US, RICHMOND, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elk Grove | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 177,221 | 115,396 |
| Median household income | $122,229 | $90,038 |
| Median age | 39 | 37.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 20.2% |
| Avg household size | 3.24 | 2.85 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 8.4% between Elk Grove and Richmond (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Richmond MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 244,380 | $59,630 |
| Management Occupations | 237,070 | $171,350 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 211,250 | $104,950 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 194,040 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 183,930 | $49,390 |
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
When is the best time to move from Elk Grove to Richmond?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 84 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 Richmond compare to Elk Grove?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $72,050 in the Richmond MSA vs $55,290 in the Elk Grove MSA, on total employment of 2,422,210 and 1,048,170 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Richmond more expensive than Elk Grove?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Richmond is 8.4% higher than Elk Grove (115.613 vs 106.67, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Elk Grove vs Richmond?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,038 in Richmond vs $122,229 in Elk Grove β a 26.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Richmond, CA from Elk Grove, CA?
The driving distance is 84 mi and the route typically takes 1h 43m via I 80 and CA 99. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Richmond compared to Elk Grove?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $606,427 in Richmond vs $637,450 in Elk Grove β a 4.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Elk Grove.
City profiles: Elk Grove, CA Β· Richmond, CA.