Moving from Peoria, AZ to Costa Mesa, CA
The 367 mi from Peoria to Costa Mesa translate to about 6h 45m 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.
367 mi Β· 6h 45m by car Β· AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 95, AZ 303 LOOP |
| Major cities en route | Scottsdale, Phoenix, Surprise, Glendale, Goodyear |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Peoria | Costa Mesa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Costa Mesa is 9.9% higher than Peoria, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Costa Mesa is 9.9% above Peoria β $488,596 vs $1,413,322 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Peoria -1.6%, Costa Mesa +3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Peoria | Costa Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 49Β°F |
| July avg high | 105Β°F | 79Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 9.6" | 11.2" |
Climate cools by 5.3Β°F on the annual average β 70.2Β°F β 64.9Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WITTMANN 1SE, AZ US, SANTA ANA JOHN WAYNE AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Peoria | Costa Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 194,338 | 110,538 |
| Median household income | $93,403 | $110,073 |
| Median age | 42.1 | 36.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 30.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.66 | 2.66 |
Income steps up 9.9%: $93,403 in Peoria vs $110,073 in Costa Mesa.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Costa Mesa 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.
Moving between Arizona and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- 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: Costa Mesa sees only 11.2 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.
- Register to vote in California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Costa Mesa more expensive than Peoria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Costa Mesa is 9.9% higher than Peoria (113.566 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Costa Mesa, CA from Peoria, AZ?
The driving distance is 367 mi and the route typically takes 6h 45m via I 10 and US 95. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Costa Mesa compare to Peoria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Costa Mesa MSA vs $48,600 in the Peoria MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Peoria vs Costa Mesa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $110,073 in Costa Mesa vs $93,403 in Peoria β a 17.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Peoria to Costa Mesa?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 367 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 Costa Mesa compared to Peoria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,413,322 in Costa Mesa vs $488,596 in Peoria β a 189.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Peoria.
City profiles: Peoria, AZ Β· Costa Mesa, CA.