Moving from Seattle, WA to Clovis, CA
A move from Seattle, WA to Clovis, CA covers 927 mi and around 17h 60m of driving through 3 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
927 mi · 17h 60m by car · WA → OR → CA
Distance & route
| Route through | WA → OR → CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, CA 99, I 80 BUSINESS |
| Major cities en route | Everett, Bellevue, Renton, Kent, Tacoma |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Seattle | Clovis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 102.158 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 161.01 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 95.725 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Clovis are 8.1% below Seattle — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Clovis typical home at $521,708 is 8.1% under Seattle at $868,680 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Seattle -2.3%, Clovis 0.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Seattle | Clovis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 65°F |
| January avg low | 37°F | 41°F |
| July avg high | 77°F | 98°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.8" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.8" | 11.0" |
Clovis runs 11.8°F warmer on the annual average (53.2°F vs 65.0°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Clovis sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SEATTLE SAND PT WSFO, WA US, FRESNO YOSEMITE INTL AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Seattle | Clovis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 741,440 | 122,719 |
| Median household income | $121,984 | $100,360 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.6% | 22.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.1 | 2.99 |
Median household income in Clovis is 8.1% below Seattle ($121,984 → $100,360, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Clovis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 46,600 | $45,210 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 40,930 | $38,480 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 35,500 | $32,240 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 33,440 | $33,710 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 32,010 | $59,270 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Washington 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March — check WSDOT mountain passes report.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
- 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Clovis average 98°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Clovis sees only 11.0 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (11.8°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October — 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
How does household income compare in Seattle vs Clovis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $100,360 in Clovis vs $121,984 in Seattle — a 17.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Clovis, CA from Seattle, WA?
The driving distance is 927 mi and the route typically takes 17h 60m via I 5 and CA 99. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Clovis compare to Seattle?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,530 in the Clovis MSA vs $65,260 in the Seattle MSA, on total employment of 408,820 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Seattle and Clovis?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 65.0°F in Clovis vs 53.2°F in Seattle (11.8°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 3.8 in. Annual precipitation: 11.0 in vs 37.8 in.
Is Clovis more expensive than Seattle?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Clovis is 8.1% lower than Seattle (102.158 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Seattle to Clovis?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 927 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Clovis compared to Seattle?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $521,708 in Clovis vs $868,680 in Seattle — a 39.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Seattle.
City profiles: Seattle, WA · Clovis, CA.