Moving from Sacramento, CA to Modesto, CA
The 73 mi from Sacramento to Modesto translate to about 1h 26m behind the wheel through 1 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.
73 mi · 1h 26m by car · CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 99, I 80 BUSINESS |
| Major cities en route | Roseville, Elk Grove, Antioch, Stockton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sacramento | Modesto | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 106.67 | 104.108 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 151.29 | 152.259 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 130.23 | 108.476 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Modesto and Sacramento is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Modesto is 2.4% below Sacramento ($446,494 vs $479,766 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Sacramento -2.5%, Modesto -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Sacramento | Modesto |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 41°F | 39°F |
| July avg high | 94°F | 95°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 19.2" | 12.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Sacramento (63.4°F) and Modesto (63.1°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SACRAMENTO 5 ESE, CA US, MODESTO CITY CO AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sacramento | Modesto |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 524,802 | 218,614 |
| Median household income | $83,753 | $77,899 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 35.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.9% | 13.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.63 | 3.02 |
Income steps down 2.4%: $83,753 in Sacramento vs $77,899 in Modesto.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Modesto MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 22,970 | $45,490 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 20,080 | $47,540 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 19,760 | $34,710 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 15,890 | $36,840 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 14,170 | $65,580 |
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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Modesto average 95°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Modesto sees only 12.3 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
When is the best time to move from Sacramento to Modesto?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 73 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Modesto compared to Sacramento?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $446,494 in Modesto vs $479,766 in Sacramento — a 6.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Sacramento vs Modesto?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,899 in Modesto vs $83,753 in Sacramento — a 7.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Modesto, CA from Sacramento, CA?
The driving distance is 73 mi and the route typically takes 1h 26m via CA 99 and I 80 BUSINESS. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Modesto more expensive than Sacramento?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Modesto is 2.4% lower than Sacramento (104.108 vs 106.67, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Modesto compare to Sacramento?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,720 in the Modesto MSA vs $55,290 in the Sacramento MSA, on total employment of 192,020 and 1,048,170 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Sacramento.
City profiles: Sacramento, CA · Modesto, CA.