Moving from Modesto, CA to Santa Maria, CA
It is a 253 mi drive, roughly 5h 5m, between Modesto, CA and Santa Maria, CA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate — not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
253 mi · 5h 5m by car · CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, US 101, CA 46 |
| Major cities en route | Stockton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Modesto | Santa Maria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.108 | 108.798 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 152.259 | 149.807 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 108.476 | 151.394 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 104.108 vs 108.798 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 4.5% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $446,494 to $658,011 moving to Santa Maria.
YoY change: Modesto -0.7%, Santa Maria +1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Modesto | Santa Maria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 39°F | 41°F |
| July avg high | 95°F | 73°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | — |
| Annual precipitation | 12.3" | 13.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Modesto (63.1°F) and Santa Maria (58.6°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MODESTO CITY CO AP, CA US, SANTA MARIA PUBLIC AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Modesto | Santa Maria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,614 | 109,880 |
| Median household income | $77,899 | $84,617 |
| Median age | 35.4 | 29.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.8% | 11.2% |
| Avg household size | 3.02 | 3.78 |
Households in Santa Maria earn about 4.5% more at the median — ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Santa Maria MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 23,340 | $35,370 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 21,000 | $48,900 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 15,770 | $37,820 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 13,920 | $66,060 |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations | 13,560 | $36,290 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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
- Dry climate: Santa Maria sees only 13.3 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 — 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 far is Santa Maria, CA from Modesto, CA?
The driving distance is 253 mi and the route typically takes 5h 5m via I 5 and US 101. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Santa Maria more expensive than Modesto?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Santa Maria is 4.5% higher than Modesto (108.798 vs 104.108, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Modesto vs Santa Maria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $84,617 in Santa Maria vs $77,899 in Modesto — a 8.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Santa Maria compare to Modesto?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,280 in the Santa Maria MSA vs $47,720 in the Modesto MSA, on total employment of 202,410 and 192,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Santa Maria compared to Modesto?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $658,011 in Santa Maria vs $446,494 in Modesto — a 47.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Santa Maria?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 253 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — 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 · Santa Maria, CA.