Moving from Menifee, CA to Downey, CA
It is a 67 mi drive, roughly 1h 25m, between Menifee, CA and Downey, CA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
67 mi Β· 1h 25m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 91, I 15, I 5 |
| Major cities en route | Los Angeles, Glendale, Torrance, Pasadena, Inglewood |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Menifee | Downey | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 106.442 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.641 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 101.431 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 129.312 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Downey runs about 6.7% more expensive overall than Menifee β RPP 106.442 β 113.566.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $584,525 in Menifee to $888,710 in Downey, a 6.7% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Menifee -1.6%, Downey +1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Menifee | Downey |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 42Β°F | 47Β°F |
| July avg high | 97Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.7" | 12.0" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 66.0Β°F vs 64.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ELSINORE, CA US, LONG BEACH DAUGHERTY FLD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Menifee | Downey |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,020 | 111,793 |
| Median household income | $89,183 | $87,400 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 37 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.9% | 17.8% |
| Avg household size | 3.05 | 3.22 |
Household income lines up β $89,183 vs $87,400 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Downey 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: Downey sees only 12.0 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 the job market in Downey compare to Menifee?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Downey MSA vs $47,450 in the Menifee MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 1,661,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Menifee vs Downey?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $87,400 in Downey vs $89,183 in Menifee β a 2.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Downey more expensive than Menifee?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Downey is 6.7% higher than Menifee (113.566 vs 106.442, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Downey compared to Menifee?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $888,710 in Downey vs $584,525 in Menifee β a 52.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Downey, CA from Menifee, CA?
The driving distance is 67 mi and the route typically takes 1h 25m via CA 91 and I 15. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Menifee to Downey?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 67 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 Menifee.
City profiles: Menifee, CA Β· Downey, CA.