Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Los Angeles, CA
Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Los Angeles, CA covers 391 mi and about 7h 7m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
391 mi Β· 7h 7m by car Β· CA β AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 10 EXPR, I 17 |
| Major cities en route | Torrance, Inglewood, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Santa Clarita |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Phoenix | Los Angeles | 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 Los Angeles is 9.9% higher than Phoenix, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Los Angeles is 9.9% above Phoenix β $410,169 vs $952,183 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Phoenix -2.7%, Los Angeles -1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Phoenix | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 73Β°F | 64Β°F |
| January avg low | 44Β°F | 48Β°F |
| July avg high | 104Β°F | 78Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.9" | 14.1" |
Los Angeles is 8.7Β°F cooler on the annual average (72.5Β°F vs 63.8Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Los Angeles 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: PHOENIX DEER VALLEY MUNI AP, AZ US, CULVER CITY, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Phoenix | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,624,832 | 3,857,897 |
| Median household income | $77,041 | $80,366 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 24.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.7 | 2.72 |
Median household incomes in Phoenix ($77,041) and Los Angeles ($80,366) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Los Angeles 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
- 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
- Dry climate: Los Angeles sees only 14.1 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
When is the best time to move from Phoenix to Los Angeles?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 391 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 Los Angeles compare to Phoenix?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Los Angeles MSA vs $48,600 in the Phoenix 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 Phoenix vs Los Angeles?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $80,366 in Los Angeles vs $77,041 in Phoenix β a 4.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Los Angeles, CA from Phoenix, AZ?
The driving distance is 391 mi and the route typically takes 7h 7m via I 10 and I 10 EXPR. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Los Angeles more expensive than Phoenix?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Los Angeles is 9.9% higher than Phoenix (113.566 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Los Angeles compared to Phoenix?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $952,183 in Los Angeles vs $410,169 in Phoenix β a 132.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Phoenix.
City profiles: Phoenix, AZ Β· Los Angeles, CA.