Moving from Los Angeles, CA to Fullerton, CA
Relocating from Los Angeles, CA to Fullerton, CA? The drive is 37 mi β about 50 min. Local does not always mean identical: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and NOAA climate can all shift a few percent across short distances. The sections below compare each data layer directly.
37 mi Β· 50 min by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, I 10, CA 91 |
| Major cities en route | Torrance, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Santa Clarita, Inglewood |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Los Angeles | Fullerton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 113.566 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.589 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 106.623 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 170.433 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 113.566 vs 113.566 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 0.0% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Los Angeles -1.4%, Fullerton -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Los Angeles | Fullerton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 48Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 78Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 14.1" | 11.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Los Angeles (63.8Β°F) and Fullerton (66.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CULVER CITY, CA US, FULLERTON MUNI AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Los Angeles | Fullerton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,857,897 | 141,278 |
| Median household income | $80,366 | $104,219 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 36.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.5% | 27.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.98 |
Expect median household income to rise 0.0% β $80,366 β $104,219 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Fullerton 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: Fullerton sees only 11.9 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
How does household income compare in Los Angeles vs Fullerton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $104,219 in Fullerton vs $80,366 in Los Angeles β a 29.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Los Angeles to Fullerton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 37 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 Fullerton compared to Los Angeles?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,050,945 in Fullerton vs $952,183 in Los Angeles β a 10.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Fullerton, CA from Los Angeles, CA?
The driving distance is 37 mi and the route typically takes 50 min via I 5 and I 10. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Fullerton compare to Los Angeles?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Fullerton MSA vs $50,490 in the Los Angeles MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 6,185,570 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 Los Angeles.
City profiles: Los Angeles, CA Β· Fullerton, CA.