Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Vallejo, CA
Relocating 761 mi from Phoenix to Vallejo is a 13h 54m drive through 2 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
761 mi Β· 13h 54m by car Β· AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 5, US 95 |
| Major cities en route | Scottsdale, Peoria, Glendale, Mesa, Chandler |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Phoenix | Vallejo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 108.479 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 154.993 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 142.042 | 100.0 |
Vallejo runs about 5.0% more expensive overall than Phoenix β RPP 103.316 β 108.479.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $410,169 in Phoenix to $520,970 in Vallejo, a 5.0% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Phoenix -2.7%, Vallejo -5.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Phoenix | Vallejo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 73Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 44Β°F | 42Β°F |
| July avg high | 104Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 8.9" | 21.5" |
Expect 10.9Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PHOENIX DEER VALLEY MUNI AP, AZ US, VALLEJO, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Phoenix | Vallejo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,624,832 | 124,637 |
| Median household income | $77,041 | $89,496 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 40 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 19.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.7 | 2.84 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 5.0% higher in Vallejo than Phoenix.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Vallejo MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,510 | $51,200 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 13,960 | $36,120 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 12,440 | $43,450 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 12,220 | $37,910 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 10,450 | $34,840 |
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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.9Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Vallejo more expensive than Phoenix?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Vallejo is 5.0% higher than Phoenix (108.479 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Phoenix to Vallejo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 761 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Vallejo, CA from Phoenix, AZ?
The driving distance is 761 mi and the route typically takes 13h 54m via I 10 and I 5. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Vallejo compared to Phoenix?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $520,970 in Vallejo vs $410,169 in Phoenix β a 27.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Phoenix vs Vallejo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $89,496 in Vallejo vs $77,041 in Phoenix β a 16.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Vallejo compare to Phoenix?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $53,520 in the Vallejo MSA vs $48,600 in the Phoenix MSA, on total employment of 137,640 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Phoenix.
City profiles: Phoenix, AZ Β· Vallejo, CA.