Moving from Fresno, CA to Modesto, CA
Moving from Fresno, CA to Modesto, CA covers 94 mi and about 1h 52m by car through 1 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
94 mi Β· 1h 52m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 99 |
| Major cities en route | Clovis, Stockton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fresno | Modesto | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.158 | 104.108 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 161.01 | 152.259 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 95.725 | 108.476 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Fresno (102.158) and Modesto (104.108) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing step-up: Modesto at $446,494 is 1.9% above Fresno at $391,328.
YoY change: Fresno +0.1%, Modesto -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fresno | Modesto |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 98Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.0" | 12.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FRESNO YOSEMITE INTL AP, CA US, MODESTO CITY CO AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fresno | Modesto |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 543,615 | 218,614 |
| Median household income | $66,804 | $77,899 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 35.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.7% | 13.8% |
| Avg household size | 3.03 | 3.02 |
Median household income in Modesto is 1.9% above Fresno ($66,804 β $77,899, 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 much do homes cost in Modesto compared to Fresno?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $446,494 in Modesto vs $391,328 in Fresno β a 14.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Fresno to Modesto?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 94 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 Fresno vs Modesto?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,899 in Modesto vs $66,804 in Fresno β a 16.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Modesto compare to Fresno?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,720 in the Modesto MSA vs $44,530 in the Fresno MSA, on total employment of 192,020 and 408,820 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Modesto more expensive than Fresno?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Modesto is 1.9% higher than Fresno (104.108 vs 102.158, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Modesto, CA from Fresno, CA?
The driving distance is 94 mi and the route typically takes 1h 52m 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 Fresno.
City profiles: Fresno, CA Β· Modesto, CA.