Moving from Oxnard, CA to Salinas, CA
Relocating between Oxnard, CA and Salinas, CA is a 256 mi drive β 5h 11m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
256 mi Β· 5h 11m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 101, CA 154 |
| Major cities en route | Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, San Buenaventura, Santa Maria |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Oxnard | Salinas | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 110.534 | 109.042 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 152.925 | 154.157 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 171.096 | 145.669 | 100.0 |
Oxnard and Salinas sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI for Salinas ($747,758) sits close to Oxnard ($767,291) β no material housing gap.
YoY change: Oxnard -0.4%, Salinas -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Oxnard | Salinas |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 46Β°F | 42Β°F |
| July avg high | 73Β°F | 71Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 12.9" | 12.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 61.2Β°F vs 58.1Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OXNARD VENTURA CO AP, CA US, SALINAS MUNICIPAL AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Oxnard | Salinas |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 201,014 | 161,993 |
| Median household income | $93,372 | $89,150 |
| Median age | 34 | 32.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.4% | 11.4% |
| Avg household size | 3.88 | 3.71 |
Household income lines up β $93,372 vs $89,150 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Salinas MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations | 27,600 | $36,980 |
| Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse | 25,020 | $36,920 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 18,820 | $35,820 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 16,550 | $38,530 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 16,140 | $48,290 |
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: Salinas sees only 12.6 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
Is Salinas more expensive than Oxnard?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Salinas is 1.3% lower than Oxnard (109.042 vs 110.534, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Oxnard vs Salinas?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $89,150 in Salinas vs $93,372 in Oxnard β a 4.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Oxnard to Salinas?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 256 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 Salinas compare to Oxnard?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,570 in the Salinas MSA vs $48,380 in the Oxnard MSA, on total employment of 181,410 and 315,720 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Salinas compared to Oxnard?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $747,758 in Salinas vs $767,291 in Oxnard β a 2.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Salinas, CA from Oxnard, CA?
The driving distance is 256 mi and the route typically takes 5h 11m via US 101 and CA 154. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Oxnard.
City profiles: Oxnard, CA Β· Salinas, CA.