Moving from Modesto, CA to Oakland, CA
Relocating between Modesto, CA and Oakland, CA is a 77 mi drive β 1h 33m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
77 mi Β· 1h 33m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 580, I 205, CA 99 |
| Major cities en route | Vallejo, Berkeley, Richmond, Concord, San Mateo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Modesto | Oakland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.108 | 115.613 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 152.259 | 172.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 108.465 | 100.0 |
| Services | 108.476 | 194.718 | 100.0 |
Oakland runs about 11.1% more expensive overall than Modesto β RPP 104.108 β 115.613.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $446,494 in Modesto to $716,248 in Oakland, a 11.1% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Modesto -0.7%, Oakland -8.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Modesto | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 45Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 72Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 12.3" | 22.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 63.1Β°F vs 59.6Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Oakland sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MODESTO CITY CO AP, CA US, OAKLAND MUSEUM, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Modesto | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,614 | 438,072 |
| Median household income | $77,899 | $97,369 |
| Median age | 35.4 | 37.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.8% | 26.5% |
| Avg household size | 3.02 | 2.53 |
Expect median household income to rise 11.1% β $77,899 β $97,369 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Oakland MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 244,380 | $59,630 |
| Management Occupations | 237,070 | $171,350 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 211,250 | $104,950 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 194,040 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 183,930 | $49,390 |
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 much do homes cost in Oakland compared to Modesto?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $716,248 in Oakland vs $446,494 in Modesto β a 60.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Oakland compare to Modesto?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $72,050 in the Oakland MSA vs $47,720 in the Modesto MSA, on total employment of 2,422,210 and 192,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Oakland, CA from Modesto, CA?
The driving distance is 77 mi and the route typically takes 1h 33m via I 580 and I 205. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Modesto vs Oakland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $97,369 in Oakland vs $77,899 in Modesto β a 25.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Oakland more expensive than Modesto?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Oakland is 11.1% higher than Modesto (115.613 vs 104.108, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Oakland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 77 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 Modesto.
City profiles: Modesto, CA Β· Oakland, CA.