Moving from Oxnard, CA to Tempe, AZ
The 446 mi from Oxnard to Tempe translate to about 8h 13m behind the wheel through 2 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.
446 mi Β· 8h 13m by car Β· CA β AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 101, I 10 EXPR |
| 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 | Tempe | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 110.534 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 152.925 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 171.096 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Tempe is 6.5% cheaper than Oxnard overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Tempe is 6.5% below Oxnard β $767,291 vs $468,281 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Oxnard -0.4%, Tempe -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Oxnard | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61Β°F | 72Β°F |
| January avg low | 46Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 73Β°F | 106Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 12.9" | 8.8" |
Climate warms by 10.6Β°F on the annual average β 61.2Β°F β 71.8Β°F.
Tempe gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OXNARD VENTURA CO AP, CA US, TEMPE ASU, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Oxnard | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 201,014 | 186,419 |
| Median household income | $93,372 | $77,643 |
| Median age | 34 | 29.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.4% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 3.88 | 2.42 |
Income steps down 6.5%: $93,372 in Oxnard vs $77,643 in Tempe.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tempe MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between California and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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 Tempe average 106Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Tempe sees only 8.8 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.6Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Oxnard to Tempe?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 446 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 Tempe compared to Oxnard?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $468,281 in Tempe vs $767,291 in Oxnard β a 39.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Tempe, AZ from Oxnard, CA?
The driving distance is 446 mi and the route typically takes 8h 13m via I 10 and US 101. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Tempe compare to Oxnard?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Tempe MSA vs $48,380 in the Oxnard MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 315,720 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Oxnard vs Tempe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,643 in Tempe vs $93,372 in Oxnard β a 16.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Tempe more expensive than Oxnard?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tempe is 6.5% lower than Oxnard (103.316 vs 110.534, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Oxnard.
City profiles: Oxnard, CA Β· Tempe, AZ.