Moving from Goodyear, AZ to Modesto, CA
The drive from Goodyear, AZ to Modesto, CA runs 675 mi β about 12h 43m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
675 mi Β· 12h 43m by car Β· CA β AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, CA 99, I 5 |
| Major cities en route | Stockton, Fresno, Clovis, Visalia, Bakersfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Goodyear | Modesto | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 104.108 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 152.259 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 108.476 | 100.0 |
Modesto and Goodyear are close on the overall BEA RPP (103.316 vs 104.108); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values are comparable between the two cities on the latest Zillow ZHVI.
YoY change: Goodyear -1.2%, Modesto -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Goodyear | Modesto |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 74Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 107Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 7.4" | 12.3" |
Climate cools by 10.8Β°F on the annual average β 73.9Β°F β 63.1Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LAVEEN 3 SSE, AZ US, MODESTO CITY CO AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Goodyear | Modesto |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 102,891 | 218,614 |
| Median household income | $101,814 | $77,899 |
| Median age | 40.8 | 35.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 13.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.87 | 3.02 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 0.8% between Goodyear 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.
Moving between Arizona and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.8Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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.
- Register to vote in California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Goodyear to Modesto?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 675 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Modesto, CA from Goodyear, AZ?
The driving distance is 675 mi and the route typically takes 12h 43m via I 10 and CA 99. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Modesto more expensive than Goodyear?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Modesto is 0.8% higher than Goodyear (104.108 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Modesto compare to Goodyear?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,720 in the Modesto MSA vs $48,600 in the Goodyear MSA, on total employment of 192,020 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Goodyear vs Modesto?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,899 in Modesto vs $101,814 in Goodyear β a 23.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Modesto compared to Goodyear?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $446,494 in Modesto vs $469,424 in Goodyear β a 4.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Goodyear.
City profiles: Goodyear, AZ Β· Modesto, CA.