Moving from Modesto, CA to Fairfield, CA
It is a 83 mi drive, roughly 1h 50m, between Modesto, CA and Fairfield, CA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
83 mi Β· 1h 50m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 12, CA 99, I 5 |
| Major cities en route | Stockton, Elk Grove, Antioch, Concord, Vallejo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Modesto | Fairfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.108 | 108.479 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 152.259 | 154.993 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 108.476 | 142.042 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 104.108 vs 108.479 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 4.2% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $446,494 to $609,269 moving to Fairfield.
YoY change: Modesto -0.7%, Fairfield -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Modesto | Fairfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 40Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 12.3" | 24.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Modesto (63.1Β°F) and Fairfield (61.7Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Fairfield gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MODESTO CITY CO AP, CA US, FAIRFIELD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Modesto | Fairfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,614 | 119,985 |
| Median household income | $77,899 | $102,321 |
| Median age | 35.4 | 36.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.8% | 17.8% |
| Avg household size | 3.02 | 3.16 |
Fairfield households earn about 4.2% more than Modesto at the median β $77,899 β $102,321 on ACS 2023.
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 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
- 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 does the job market in Fairfield compare to Modesto?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $53,520 in the Fairfield MSA vs $47,720 in the Modesto MSA, on total employment of 137,640 and 192,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Modesto vs Fairfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $102,321 in Fairfield vs $77,899 in Modesto β a 31.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Fairfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 83 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Fairfield, CA from Modesto, CA?
The driving distance is 83 mi and the route typically takes 1h 50m via CA 12 and CA 99. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Fairfield compared to Modesto?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $609,269 in Fairfield vs $446,494 in Modesto β a 36.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Fairfield more expensive than Modesto?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fairfield is 4.2% higher than Modesto (108.479 vs 104.108, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Modesto.
City profiles: Modesto, CA Β· Fairfield, CA.