Moving from Burbank, CA to Modesto, CA
The 301 mi from Burbank to Modesto translate to about 5h 39m 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.
301 mi Β· 5h 39m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 99, I 5, I 5 TRUCK |
| Major cities en route | Stockton, Fresno, Clovis, Visalia, Bakersfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Burbank | Modesto | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 113.566 | 104.108 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.589 | 152.259 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 106.623 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 170.433 | 108.476 | 100.0 |
Modesto is 8.3% cheaper than Burbank overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Modesto is 8.3% below Burbank β $1,200,885 vs $446,494 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Burbank -2.4%, Modesto -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Burbank | Modesto |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 16.5" | 12.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Burbank (64.5Β°F) and Modesto (63.1Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BURBANK VALLEY PUMP PLT, CA US, MODESTO CITY CO AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Burbank | Modesto |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 105,165 | 218,614 |
| Median household income | $95,816 | $77,899 |
| Median age | 39.8 | 35.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 31% | 13.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 3.02 |
Income steps down 8.3%: $95,816 in Burbank 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 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
How does household income compare in Burbank vs Modesto?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,899 in Modesto vs $95,816 in Burbank β a 18.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Modesto more expensive than Burbank?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Modesto is 8.3% lower than Burbank (104.108 vs 113.566, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Burbank to Modesto?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 301 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Modesto compared to Burbank?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $446,494 in Modesto vs $1,200,885 in Burbank β a 62.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Modesto compare to Burbank?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,720 in the Modesto MSA vs $50,490 in the Burbank MSA, on total employment of 192,020 and 6,185,570 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Modesto, CA from Burbank, CA?
The driving distance is 301 mi and the route typically takes 5h 39m via CA 99 and I 5. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Burbank.
City profiles: Burbank, CA Β· Modesto, CA.