Moving from Clovis, CA to Fairfield, CA
The 180 mi from Clovis to Fairfield translate to about 3h 50m 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.
180 mi · 3h 50m by car · CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 99, CA 12, I 5 |
| Major cities en route | Fresno, Modesto, Stockton, Elk Grove, Antioch |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Clovis | Fairfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.158 | 108.479 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 161.01 | 154.993 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 95.725 | 142.042 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 102.158 in Clovis to 108.479 in Fairfield, a 6.2% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing step-up: Fairfield at $609,269 is 6.2% above Clovis at $521,708.
YoY change: Clovis 0.0%, Fairfield -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Clovis | Fairfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65°F | 62°F |
| January avg low | 41°F | 40°F |
| July avg high | 98°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.0" | 24.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Effectively snow-free year in Fairfield — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: FRESNO YOSEMITE INTL AP, CA US, FAIRFIELD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Clovis | Fairfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 122,719 | 119,985 |
| Median household income | $100,360 | $102,321 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 36.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.9% | 17.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.99 | 3.16 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Fairfield MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,510 | $51,200 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 13,960 | $36,120 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 12,440 | $43,450 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 12,220 | $37,910 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 10,450 | $34,840 |
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
- 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
What is the climate difference between Clovis and Fairfield?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 61.7°F in Fairfield vs 65.0°F in Clovis (3.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 24.5 in vs 11.0 in.
Is Fairfield more expensive than Clovis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fairfield is 6.2% higher than Clovis (108.479 vs 102.158, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Clovis vs Fairfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $102,321 in Fairfield vs $100,360 in Clovis — a 2.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Fairfield compare to Clovis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $53,520 in the Fairfield MSA vs $44,530 in the Clovis MSA, on total employment of 137,640 and 408,820 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Fairfield compared to Clovis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $609,269 in Fairfield vs $521,708 in Clovis — a 16.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Fairfield, CA from Clovis, CA?
The driving distance is 180 mi and the route typically takes 3h 50m via CA 99 and CA 12. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Clovis to Fairfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 180 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Clovis.
City profiles: Clovis, CA · Fairfield, CA.