Moving from Goodyear, AZ to Elk Grove, CA
It is 737 mi between Goodyear and Elk Grove β roughly 13h 47m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 2 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
737 mi Β· 13h 47m by car Β· CA β AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 5, I 5 TRUCK |
| Major cities en route | Sacramento, Roseville, Stockton, Antioch, Modesto |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Goodyear | Elk Grove | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 106.67 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 151.29 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 130.23 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 103.316 vs 106.67 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 3.2% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $469,424 to $637,450 moving to Elk Grove.
YoY change: Goodyear -1.2%, Elk Grove -3.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Goodyear | Elk Grove |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 74Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 107Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 7.4" | 18.1" |
Annual temperature drops 12.1Β°F moving to Elk Grove per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LAVEEN 3 SSE, AZ US, SACRAMENTO EXECUTIVE AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Goodyear | Elk Grove |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 102,891 | 177,221 |
| Median household income | $101,814 | $122,229 |
| Median age | 40.8 | 39 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 25.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.87 | 3.24 |
Elk Grove households earn about 3.2% more than Goodyear at the median β $101,814 β $122,229 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Elk Grove MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 127,580 | $49,240 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 92,040 | $35,560 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 79,450 | $43,790 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 78,260 | $38,490 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 71,860 | $81,700 |
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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Elk Grove average 93Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (12.1Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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
Is Elk Grove more expensive than Goodyear?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elk Grove is 3.2% higher than Goodyear (106.67 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Elk Grove compare to Goodyear?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $55,290 in the Elk Grove MSA vs $48,600 in the Goodyear MSA, on total employment of 1,048,170 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Goodyear vs Elk Grove?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $122,229 in Elk Grove vs $101,814 in Goodyear β a 20.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Elk Grove, CA from Goodyear, AZ?
The driving distance is 737 mi and the route typically takes 13h 47m via I 10 and I 5. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Elk Grove compared to Goodyear?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $637,450 in Elk Grove vs $469,424 in Goodyear β a 35.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Goodyear to Elk Grove?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 737 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β 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 Goodyear.
City profiles: Goodyear, AZ Β· Elk Grove, CA.