Moving from Surprise, AZ to Torrance, CA
Moving from Surprise, AZ to Torrance, CA covers 380 mi and about 7h 4m 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.
380 mi Β· 7h 4m by car Β· AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 95, CA 91 |
| Major cities en route | Peoria, Phoenix, Glendale, Tempe, Goodyear |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Surprise | Torrance | 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 Torrance is 9.9% higher than Surprise, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Torrance is 9.9% above Surprise β $422,473 vs $1,124,932 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Surprise -2.4%, Torrance +0.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Surprise | Torrance |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 47Β°F |
| July avg high | 105Β°F | 76Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 9.6" | 13.8" |
Torrance is 7.7Β°F cooler on the annual average (70.2Β°F vs 62.5Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WITTMANN 1SE, AZ US, REDONDO BEACH, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Surprise | Torrance |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,519 | 143,499 |
| Median household income | $93,371 | $113,105 |
| Median age | 41.6 | 43.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 34.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 2.59 |
Median household income in Torrance is 9.9% above Surprise ($93,371 vs $113,105, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Torrance 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
- 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
- Dry climate: Torrance sees only 13.8 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
How does the job market in Torrance compare to Surprise?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Torrance MSA vs $48,600 in the Surprise 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 Surprise vs Torrance?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,105 in Torrance vs $93,371 in Surprise β a 21.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Torrance, CA from Surprise, AZ?
The driving distance is 380 mi and the route typically takes 7h 4m via I 10 and US 95. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Torrance more expensive than Surprise?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Torrance is 9.9% higher than Surprise (113.566 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Surprise to Torrance?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 380 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Torrance compared to Surprise?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,124,932 in Torrance vs $422,473 in Surprise β a 166.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Surprise.
City profiles: Surprise, AZ Β· Torrance, CA.