Moving from Glendale, AZ to Costa Mesa, CA
The 358 mi from Glendale to Costa Mesa translate to about 6h 38m behind the wheel through 2 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.
358 mi Β· 6h 38m by car Β· AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 95, CA 91 |
| Major cities en route | Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria, Mesa, Chandler |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Glendale | Costa Mesa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 9.9% pricier overall in Costa Mesa than Glendale on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Costa Mesa typical home at $1,413,322 is 9.9% above Glendale at $407,332 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Glendale -2.6%, Costa Mesa +3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Glendale | Costa Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 49Β°F |
| July avg high | 105Β°F | 79Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 8.3" | 11.2" |
Climate cools by 7.0Β°F on the annual average β 71.9Β°F β 64.9Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: YOUNGTOWN, AZ US, SANTA ANA JOHN WAYNE AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Glendale | Costa Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 250,193 | 110,538 |
| Median household income | $70,139 | $110,073 |
| Median age | 34.5 | 36.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.4% | 30.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.88 | 2.66 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 9.9% between Glendale and Costa Mesa (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Costa Mesa 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.
Moving between Arizona and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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
- 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
- Dry climate: Costa Mesa sees only 11.2 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.
- Register to vote in California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Costa Mesa, CA from Glendale, AZ?
The driving distance is 358 mi and the route typically takes 6h 38m via I 10 and US 95. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Costa Mesa compared to Glendale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,413,322 in Costa Mesa vs $407,332 in Glendale β a 247.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Costa Mesa more expensive than Glendale?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Costa Mesa is 9.9% higher than Glendale (113.566 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Glendale vs Costa Mesa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $110,073 in Costa Mesa vs $70,139 in Glendale β a 56.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Glendale to Costa Mesa?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 358 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 Costa Mesa compare to Glendale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Costa Mesa MSA vs $48,600 in the Glendale MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Glendale.
City profiles: Glendale, AZ Β· Costa Mesa, CA.