Moving from Reno, NV to Fairfield, CA
The 171 mi from Reno to Fairfield translate to about 3h 23m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
171 mi · 3h 23m by car · NV → CA
Distance & route
| Route through | NV → CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, NV 659 |
| Major cities en route | Sparks, Roseville, Sacramento, Elk Grove, Vallejo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Reno | Fairfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.014 | 108.479 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.274 | 154.993 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.271 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 123.478 | 142.042 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Fairfield is 7.4% higher than Reno, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Fairfield is 7.4% above Reno ($609,269 vs $567,857 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Reno -0.4%, Fairfield -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Reno | Fairfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55°F | 62°F |
| January avg low | 27°F | 40°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 29.7" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.1" | 24.5" |
Climate warms by 7.2°F on the annual average — 54.5°F → 61.7°F.
Fairfield gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: RENO WFO, NV US, FAIRFIELD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Reno | Fairfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 268,959 | 119,985 |
| Median household income | $78,448 | $102,321 |
| Median age | 37.3 | 36.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.4% | 17.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 3.16 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 7.4% between Reno and Fairfield (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.
Moving between Nevada 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- 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 — 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
How far is Fairfield, CA from Reno, NV?
The driving distance is 171 mi and the route typically takes 3h 23m via I 80 and NV 659. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Fairfield compared to Reno?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $609,269 in Fairfield vs $567,857 in Reno — a 7.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Fairfield more expensive than Reno?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fairfield is 7.4% higher than Reno (108.479 vs 101.014, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Reno vs Fairfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $102,321 in Fairfield vs $78,448 in Reno — a 30.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Fairfield compare to Reno?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $53,520 in the Fairfield MSA vs $47,540 in the Reno MSA, on total employment of 137,640 and 254,100 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Reno to Fairfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 171 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Reno and Fairfield?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 61.7°F in Fairfield vs 54.5°F in Reno (7.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 29.7 in. Annual precipitation: 24.5 in vs 8.1 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Reno.
City profiles: Reno, NV · Fairfield, CA.