Moving from Bakersfield, CA to Clovis, CA
The 114 mi from Bakersfield to Clovis translate to about 2h 12m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — 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.
114 mi · 2h 12m by car · CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 99 |
| Major cities en route | Visalia, Fresno |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Bakersfield | Clovis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.886 | 102.158 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.257 | 161.01 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 90.291 | 95.725 | 100.0 |
Clovis and Bakersfield are close on the overall BEA RPP (100.886 vs 102.158); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Clovis typical home at $521,708 is 1.3% above Bakersfield at $396,047 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Bakersfield -0.3%, Clovis 0.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Bakersfield | Clovis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65°F | 65°F |
| January avg low | 39°F | 41°F |
| July avg high | 97°F | 98°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 6.7" | 11.0" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 65.1°F vs 65.0°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
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: BAKERSFIELD 5 NW, CA US, FRESNO YOSEMITE INTL AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Bakersfield | Clovis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 408,366 | 122,719 |
| Median household income | $77,397 | $100,360 |
| Median age | 31.9 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.1% | 22.9% |
| Avg household size | 3.2 | 2.99 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 1.3% between Bakersfield and Clovis (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.
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
- 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.
- 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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Bakersfield vs Clovis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $100,360 in Clovis vs $77,397 in Bakersfield — a 29.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Clovis more expensive than Bakersfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Clovis is 1.3% higher than Bakersfield (102.158 vs 100.886, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Clovis compared to Bakersfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $521,708 in Clovis vs $396,047 in Bakersfield — a 31.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Clovis compare to Bakersfield?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,530 in the Clovis MSA vs $44,960 in the Bakersfield MSA, on total employment of 408,820 and 330,270 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Bakersfield 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 114 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Clovis, CA from Bakersfield, CA?
The driving distance is 114 mi and the route typically takes 2h 12m via CA 99. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Bakersfield.
City profiles: Bakersfield, CA · Clovis, CA.