Moving from West Covina, CA to Gilbert, AZ
The 384 mi from West Covina to Gilbert translate to about 6h 56m behind the wheel through 2 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.
384 mi Β· 6h 56m by car Β· AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 95, AZ 202 LOOP |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| West Covina | Gilbert | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 113.566 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.589 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 106.623 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 170.433 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 113.566 to 103.316, putting Gilbert roughly 9.0% below West Covina on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Gilbert: 9.0% below West Covina on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: West Covina +0.7%, Gilbert -1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | West Covina | Gilbert |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 41Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 104Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 14.5" | β |
Climate warms by 6.3Β°F on the annual average β 65.1Β°F β 71.4Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: POMONA/FAIRPLEX, CA US, CHANDLER HEIGHTS, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | West Covina | Gilbert |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,436 | 271,118 |
| Median household income | $98,570 | $121,351 |
| Median age | 40.1 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.4% | 30.7% |
| Avg household size | 3.3 | 2.96 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 9.0% between West Covina and Gilbert (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Gilbert MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between California and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Gilbert average 104Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from West Covina to Gilbert?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 384 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 West Covina vs Gilbert?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $121,351 in Gilbert vs $98,570 in West Covina β a 23.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Gilbert more expensive than West Covina?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Gilbert is 9.0% lower than West Covina (103.316 vs 113.566, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Gilbert compared to West Covina?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $572,507 in Gilbert vs $852,373 in West Covina β a 32.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Gilbert, AZ from West Covina, CA?
The driving distance is 384 mi and the route typically takes 6h 56m via I 10 and US 95. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Gilbert compare to West Covina?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Gilbert MSA vs $50,490 in the West Covina MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 6,185,570 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from West Covina.
City profiles: West Covina, CA Β· Gilbert, AZ.