Moving from Richmond, CA to Vallejo, CA
Relocating from Richmond, CA to Vallejo, CA? The drive is 16 mi β about 26 min. Local does not always mean identical: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and NOAA climate can all shift a few percent across short distances. The sections below compare each data layer directly.
16 mi Β· 26 min by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, CA 29 |
| Major cities en route | Fairfield, Concord, Antioch, Oakland, Berkeley |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Richmond | Vallejo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 115.613 | 108.479 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 172.585 | 154.993 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 108.465 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 194.718 | 142.042 | 100.0 |
Expect about 6.2% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Vallejo at 108.479 vs Richmond at 115.613.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 6.2% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Richmond -5.4%, Vallejo -5.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Richmond | Vallejo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 44Β°F | 42Β°F |
| July avg high | 71Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 24.4" | 21.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Richmond (58.8Β°F) and Vallejo (61.6Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RICHMOND, CA US, VALLEJO, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Richmond | Vallejo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,396 | 124,637 |
| Median household income | $90,038 | $89,496 |
| Median age | 37.6 | 40 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.2% | 19.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.85 | 2.84 |
Median household incomes in Richmond ($90,038) and Vallejo ($89,496) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
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.
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
- 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
When is the best time to move from Richmond to Vallejo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 16 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Vallejo more expensive than Richmond?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Vallejo is 6.2% lower than Richmond (108.479 vs 115.613, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Richmond vs Vallejo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $89,496 in Vallejo vs $90,038 in Richmond β a 0.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Vallejo, CA from Richmond, CA?
The driving distance is 16 mi and the route typically takes 26 min via I 80 and CA 29. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Vallejo compare to Richmond?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $53,520 in the Vallejo MSA vs $72,050 in the Richmond MSA, on total employment of 137,640 and 2,422,210 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Vallejo compared to Richmond?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $520,970 in Vallejo vs $606,427 in Richmond β a 14.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Richmond.
City profiles: Richmond, CA Β· Vallejo, CA.