Moving from Torrance, CA to Santa Maria, CA
The 167 mi from Torrance to Santa Maria translate to about 3h 29m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
167 mi Β· 3h 29m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 101, CA 154, I 405 |
| Major cities en route | Long Beach, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Costa Mesa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Torrance | Santa Maria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 113.566 | 108.798 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.589 | 149.807 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 106.623 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 170.433 | 151.394 | 100.0 |
Santa Maria and Torrance are close on the overall BEA RPP (113.566 vs 108.798); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Santa Maria typical home at $658,011 is 4.2% under Torrance at $1,124,932 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Torrance +0.9%, Santa Maria +1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Torrance | Santa Maria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 47Β°F | 41Β°F |
| July avg high | 76Β°F | 73Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 13.8" | 13.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 62.5Β°F vs 58.6Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: REDONDO BEACH, CA US, SANTA MARIA PUBLIC AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Torrance | Santa Maria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 143,499 | 109,880 |
| Median household income | $113,105 | $84,617 |
| Median age | 43.1 | 29.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.2% | 11.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.59 | 3.78 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 4.2% between Torrance and Santa Maria (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Santa Maria MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 23,340 | $35,370 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 21,000 | $48,900 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 15,770 | $37,820 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 13,920 | $66,060 |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations | 13,560 | $36,290 |
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: Santa Maria sees only 13.3 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 Santa Maria compared to Torrance?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $658,011 in Santa Maria vs $1,124,932 in Torrance β a 41.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Torrance vs Santa Maria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $84,617 in Santa Maria vs $113,105 in Torrance β a 25.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Santa Maria, CA from Torrance, CA?
The driving distance is 167 mi and the route typically takes 3h 29m via US 101 and CA 154. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Torrance to Santa Maria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 167 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Santa Maria compare to Torrance?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,280 in the Santa Maria MSA vs $50,490 in the Torrance MSA, on total employment of 202,410 and 6,185,570 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Santa Maria more expensive than Torrance?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Santa Maria is 4.2% lower than Torrance (108.798 vs 113.566, 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 Torrance.
City profiles: Torrance, CA Β· Santa Maria, CA.