Moving from El Monte, CA to Modesto, CA
The 325 mi from El Monte to Modesto translate to about 6h 7m 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.
325 mi Β· 6h 7m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 99, I 5, I 5 TRUCK |
| Major cities en route | Stockton, Fresno, Clovis, Visalia, Bakersfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| El Monte | Modesto | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 113.566 | 104.108 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.589 | 152.259 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 106.623 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 170.433 | 108.476 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 113.566 to 104.108, putting Modesto roughly 8.3% below El Monte on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Modesto: 8.3% below El Monte on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: El Monte +0.8%, Modesto -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | El Monte | Modesto |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 46Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 15.7" | 12.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SAN GABRIEL FIRE DEPT, CA US, MODESTO CITY CO AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | El Monte | Modesto |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,066 | 218,614 |
| Median household income | $64,484 | $77,899 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 35.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 11.4% | 13.8% |
| Avg household size | 3.62 | 3.02 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 8.3% between El Monte and Modesto (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Modesto MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 22,970 | $45,490 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 20,080 | $47,540 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 19,760 | $34,710 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 15,890 | $36,840 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 14,170 | $65,580 |
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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Modesto average 95Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Modesto sees only 12.3 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 far is Modesto, CA from El Monte, CA?
The driving distance is 325 mi and the route typically takes 6h 7m via CA 99 and I 5. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Modesto more expensive than El Monte?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Modesto is 8.3% lower than El Monte (104.108 vs 113.566, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in El Monte vs Modesto?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,899 in Modesto vs $64,484 in El Monte β a 20.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Modesto compared to El Monte?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $446,494 in Modesto vs $765,444 in El Monte β a 41.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Modesto compare to El Monte?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,720 in the Modesto MSA vs $50,490 in the El Monte MSA, on total employment of 192,020 and 6,185,570 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from El Monte to Modesto?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 325 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β 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 El Monte.
City profiles: El Monte, CA Β· Modesto, CA.