Moving from Riverside, CA to Oxnard, CA
Relocating between Riverside, CA and Oxnard, CA is a 121 mi drive β 2h 29m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
121 mi Β· 2h 29m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 134, I 210, CA 71 |
| Major cities en route | San Bernardino, Moreno Valley, Menifee, Rialto, Fontana |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Riverside | Oxnard | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 106.442 | 110.534 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.641 | 152.925 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 101.431 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 129.312 | 171.096 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 106.442 vs 110.534 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 3.8% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Riverside -1.4%, Oxnard -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Riverside | Oxnard |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 73Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 10.0" | 12.9" |
Expect 5.7Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RIVERSIDE FIRE STN 3, CA US, OXNARD VENTURA CO AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Riverside | Oxnard |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 316,241 | 201,014 |
| Median household income | $88,575 | $93,372 |
| Median age | 33.1 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.2% | 13.4% |
| Avg household size | 3.42 | 3.88 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 3.8% higher in Oxnard than Riverside.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Oxnard MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 35,690 | $47,840 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 33,940 | $34,820 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 29,050 | $37,470 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 23,520 | $39,670 |
| Management Occupations | 20,990 | $124,680 |
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
- Dry climate: Oxnard sees only 12.9 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.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Oxnard compared to Riverside?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $767,291 in Oxnard vs $646,784 in Riverside β a 18.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Oxnard compare to Riverside?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,380 in the Oxnard MSA vs $47,450 in the Riverside MSA, on total employment of 315,720 and 1,661,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Riverside to Oxnard?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 121 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Riverside vs Oxnard?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $93,372 in Oxnard vs $88,575 in Riverside β a 5.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Oxnard, CA from Riverside, CA?
The driving distance is 121 mi and the route typically takes 2h 29m via CA 134 and I 210. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Oxnard more expensive than Riverside?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Oxnard is 3.8% higher than Riverside (110.534 vs 106.442, 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 Riverside.
City profiles: Riverside, CA Β· Oxnard, CA.