Moving from Oxnard, CA to Downey, CA
The 75 mi from Oxnard to Downey translate to about 1h 37m 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.
75 mi Β· 1h 37m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 101, I 5 |
| Major cities en route | San Buenaventura, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Santa Clarita, Burbank |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Oxnard | Downey | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 110.534 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 152.925 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 171.096 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Downey and Oxnard is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Downey is 2.7% above Oxnard ($888,710 vs $767,291 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Oxnard -0.4%, Downey +1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Oxnard | Downey |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 46Β°F | 47Β°F |
| July avg high | 73Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 12.9" | 12.0" |
Annual average temperatures in Oxnard (61.2Β°F) and Downey (64.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OXNARD VENTURA CO AP, CA US, LONG BEACH DAUGHERTY FLD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Oxnard | Downey |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 201,014 | 111,793 |
| Median household income | $93,372 | $87,400 |
| Median age | 34 | 37 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.4% | 17.8% |
| Avg household size | 3.88 | 3.22 |
Income steps down 2.7%: $93,372 in Oxnard vs $87,400 in Downey.
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 Oxnard?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Downey MSA vs $48,380 in the Oxnard MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 315,720 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Downey, CA from Oxnard, CA?
The driving distance is 75 mi and the route typically takes 1h 37m via US 101 and I 5. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Oxnard vs Downey?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $87,400 in Downey vs $93,372 in Oxnard β a 6.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Oxnard to Downey?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 75 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Downey more expensive than Oxnard?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Downey is 2.7% higher than Oxnard (113.566 vs 110.534, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Downey compared to Oxnard?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $888,710 in Downey vs $767,291 in Oxnard β a 15.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Oxnard.
City profiles: Oxnard, CA Β· Downey, CA.