Moving from Sacramento, CA to Sunnyvale, CA
The 119 mi from Sacramento to Sunnyvale translate to about 2h 22m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β 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.
119 mi Β· 2h 22m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 680, I 80, CA 237 |
| Major cities en route | Roseville, Elk Grove, Fairfield, Vallejo, Richmond |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sacramento | Sunnyvale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 106.67 | 110.423 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 151.29 | 156.659 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 130.23 | 211.901 | 100.0 |
Sunnyvale and Sacramento are close on the overall BEA RPP (106.67 vs 110.423); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Sunnyvale typical home at $2,168,909 is 3.5% above Sacramento at $479,766 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Sacramento -2.5%, Sunnyvale -0.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sacramento | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 42Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 19.2" | 13.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 63.4Β°F vs 59.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SACRAMENTO 5 ESE, CA US, MOFFETT FEDERAL AIRFIELD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sacramento | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 524,802 | 153,455 |
| Median household income | $83,753 | $181,862 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.9% | 30.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.63 | 2.61 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 3.5% between Sacramento and Sunnyvale (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Sunnyvale MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 161,790 | $175,110 |
| Management Occupations | 119,300 | $206,650 |
| Software Developers | 96,590 | $199,100 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 93,740 | $59,850 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 90,500 | $120,970 |
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
- Dry climate: Sunnyvale sees only 13.5 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 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 far is Sunnyvale, CA from Sacramento, CA?
The driving distance is 119 mi and the route typically takes 2h 22m via I 680 and I 80. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Sacramento vs Sunnyvale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $181,862 in Sunnyvale vs $83,753 in Sacramento β a 117.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Sacramento to Sunnyvale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 119 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Sunnyvale compare to Sacramento?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $81,470 in the Sunnyvale MSA vs $55,290 in the Sacramento MSA, on total employment of 1,141,820 and 1,048,170 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Sunnyvale more expensive than Sacramento?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Sunnyvale is 3.5% higher than Sacramento (110.423 vs 106.67, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Sunnyvale compared to Sacramento?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $2,168,909 in Sunnyvale vs $479,766 in Sacramento β a 352.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Sacramento.
City profiles: Sacramento, CA Β· Sunnyvale, CA.