Moving from Elk Grove, CA to Santa Ana, CA
The 407 mi from Elk Grove to Santa Ana translate to about 7h 34m 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.
407 mi Β· 7h 34m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, I 5 TRUCK, CA 99 |
| Major cities en route | Irvine, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Corona, Riverside |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elk Grove | Santa Ana | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 106.67 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 151.29 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 130.23 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 106.67 in Elk Grove to 113.566 in Santa Ana, a 6.5% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Santa Ana: 6.5% above Elk Grove on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Elk Grove -3.5%, Santa Ana -0.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Elk Grove | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 49Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 18.1" | 12.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Effectively snow-free year in Santa Ana β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SACRAMENTO EXECUTIVE AP, CA US, SANTA ANA FIRE STN, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elk Grove | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 177,221 | 311,639 |
| Median household income | $122,229 | $88,354 |
| Median age | 39 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 12.8% |
| Avg household size | 3.24 | 3.91 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 6.5% between Elk Grove and Santa Ana (ACS 2023).
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 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
- 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 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
Is Santa Ana more expensive than Elk Grove?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Santa Ana is 6.5% higher than Elk Grove (113.566 vs 106.67, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Santa Ana, CA from Elk Grove, CA?
The driving distance is 407 mi and the route typically takes 7h 34m via I 5 and I 5 TRUCK. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Elk Grove vs Santa Ana?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,354 in Santa Ana vs $122,229 in Elk Grove β a 27.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Santa Ana compare to Elk Grove?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Santa Ana MSA vs $55,290 in the Elk Grove MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 1,048,170 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Elk Grove to Santa Ana?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 407 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 Santa Ana compared to Elk Grove?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $866,066 in Santa Ana vs $637,450 in Elk Grove β a 35.9% higher 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· Santa Ana, CA.