Moving from Antioch, CA to Modesto, CA
It is a 58 mi drive, roughly 1h 19m, between Antioch, CA and Modesto, CA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
58 mi Β· 1h 19m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 99, J4, I 205 |
| Major cities en route | Stockton, Fremont, Hayward, Concord, Oakland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Antioch | Modesto | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 115.613 | 104.108 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 172.585 | 152.259 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 108.465 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 194.718 | 108.476 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 10.0% moving from Antioch to Modesto β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $598,211 in Antioch to $446,494 in Modesto, a 10.0% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Antioch -3.9%, Modesto -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Antioch | Modesto |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 12.6" | 12.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 62.5Β°F vs 63.1Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ANTIOCH PUMPING PLT #3, CA US, MODESTO CITY CO AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Antioch | Modesto |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,759 | 218,614 |
| Median household income | $94,256 | $77,899 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 35.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.5% | 13.8% |
| Avg household size | 3.13 | 3.02 |
Households in Modesto earn about 10.0% less at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
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 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Modesto average 95Β°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 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
When is the best time to move from Antioch to Modesto?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 58 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Modesto more expensive than Antioch?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Modesto is 10.0% lower than Antioch (104.108 vs 115.613, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Modesto, CA from Antioch, CA?
The driving distance is 58 mi and the route typically takes 1h 19m via CA 99 and J4. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Modesto compare to Antioch?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,720 in the Modesto MSA vs $72,050 in the Antioch MSA, on total employment of 192,020 and 2,422,210 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Antioch vs Modesto?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,899 in Modesto vs $94,256 in Antioch β a 17.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Modesto compared to Antioch?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $446,494 in Modesto vs $598,211 in Antioch β a 25.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Antioch.
City profiles: Antioch, CA Β· Modesto, CA.