Moving from Sparks, NV to Fairfield, CA
The 180 mi from Sparks to Fairfield translate to about 3h 36m 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.
180 mi · 3h 36m by car · CA → NV
Distance & route
| Route through | CA → NV |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, NV 445, US 40 HISTORIC |
| Major cities en route | Vallejo, Concord, Antioch, Richmond, Elk Grove |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sparks | 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 Sparks, 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 Sparks ($609,269 vs $529,283 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Sparks -0.5%, Fairfield -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Sparks | Fairfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54°F | 62°F |
| January avg low | 25°F | 40°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 6.8" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.4" | 24.5" |
Climate warms by 8.2°F on the annual average — 53.5°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: SPARKS, NV US, FAIRFIELD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sparks | Fairfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 109,106 | 119,985 |
| Median household income | $86,979 | $102,321 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 36.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 17.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.64 | 3.16 |
Income steps up 7.4%: $86,979 in Sparks vs $102,321 in Fairfield.
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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
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 Sparks, NV?
The driving distance is 180 mi and the route typically takes 3h 36m via I 80 and NV 445. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Sparks 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 180 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Fairfield compare to Sparks?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $53,520 in the Fairfield MSA vs $47,540 in the Sparks MSA, on total employment of 137,640 and 254,100 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Fairfield more expensive than Sparks?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fairfield is 7.4% higher than Sparks (108.479 vs 101.014, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Fairfield compared to Sparks?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $609,269 in Fairfield vs $529,283 in Sparks — a 15.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Sparks and Fairfield?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 61.7°F in Fairfield vs 53.5°F in Sparks (8.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 6.8 in. Annual precipitation: 24.5 in vs 8.4 in.
How does household income compare in Sparks vs Fairfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $102,321 in Fairfield vs $86,979 in Sparks — a 17.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Sparks.
City profiles: Sparks, NV · Fairfield, CA.