Moving from Modesto, CA to Pembroke Pines, FL
Cross-country relocations like Modesto, CA β Pembroke Pines, FL cover 2950 mi and about 52h 54m of driving through 8 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
2950 mi Β· 52h 54m by car Β· CA β AZ β NM β TX β LA β MS β AL β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β AZ β NM β TX β LA β MS β AL β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 20, I 10 |
| Major cities en route | Stockton, Fresno, Clovis, Visalia, Bakersfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Modesto | Pembroke Pines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.108 | 114.155 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 152.259 | 97.235 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 103.556 | 100.0 |
| Services | 108.476 | 155.551 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 9.7% pricier overall in Pembroke Pines than Modesto on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 9.7% higher in Pembroke Pines than Modesto as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Modesto -0.7%, Pembroke Pines -4.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Modesto | Pembroke Pines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 77Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 59Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 12.3" | 62.0" |
Climate warms by 14.2Β°F on the annual average β 63.1Β°F β 77.3Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MODESTO CITY CO AP, CA US, HOLLYWOOD NORTH PERRY AP, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Modesto | Pembroke Pines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,614 | 170,557 |
| Median household income | $77,899 | $81,675 |
| Median age | 35.4 | 43.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.8% | 23.9% |
| Avg household size | 3.02 | 2.67 |
Household income lines up β $77,899 vs $81,675 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Pembroke Pines MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 393,730 | $41,640 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 306,440 | $37,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 261,940 | $30,720 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 239,610 | $37,610 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 194,910 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between California and Florida
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Florida'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.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Pembroke Pines average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Pembroke Pines averages 62.0 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (14.2Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) 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 Florida after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Pembroke Pines more expensive than Modesto?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pembroke Pines is 9.7% higher than Modesto (114.155 vs 104.108, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Modesto vs Pembroke Pines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,675 in Pembroke Pines vs $77,899 in Modesto β a 4.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Pembroke Pines?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2950 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Pembroke Pines compared to Modesto?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $487,422 in Pembroke Pines vs $446,494 in Modesto β a 9.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Pembroke Pines compare to Modesto?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Pembroke Pines MSA vs $47,720 in the Modesto MSA, on total employment of 2,721,490 and 192,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Pembroke Pines, FL from Modesto, CA?
The driving distance is 2950 mi and the route typically takes 52h 54m via I 40 and I 20. The trip crosses 8 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 Modesto.
City profiles: Modesto, CA Β· Pembroke Pines, FL.