Moving from Concord, CA to Fresno, CA
Relocating between Concord, CA and Fresno, CA is a 167 mi drive β 3h 28m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
167 mi Β· 3h 28m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 99, CA 4, J4 |
| Major cities en route | Clovis, Modesto, Stockton, Fremont, Antioch |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Concord | Fresno | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 115.613 | 102.158 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 172.585 | 161.01 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 108.465 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 194.718 | 95.725 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 11.6% cheaper overall in Fresno than Concord on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
11.6% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Concord -3.4%, Fresno +0.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Concord | Fresno |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 41Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 98Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 16.1" | 11.0" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Effectively snow-free year in Fresno β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CONCORD BUCHANAN FLD, CA US, FRESNO YOSEMITE INTL AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Concord | Fresno |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 124,260 | 543,615 |
| Median household income | $109,195 | $66,804 |
| Median age | 38.6 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.1% | 16.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 3.03 |
Expect median household income to fall 11.6% β $109,195 β $66,804 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Fresno MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 46,600 | $45,210 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 40,930 | $38,480 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 35,500 | $32,240 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 33,440 | $33,710 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 32,010 | $59,270 |
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 Fresno average 98Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Fresno sees only 11.0 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 Concord to Fresno?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 167 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Fresno more expensive than Concord?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fresno is 11.6% lower than Concord (102.158 vs 115.613, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Fresno compared to Concord?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $391,328 in Fresno vs $742,769 in Concord β a 47.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Concord vs Fresno?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,804 in Fresno vs $109,195 in Concord β a 38.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Fresno, CA from Concord, CA?
The driving distance is 167 mi and the route typically takes 3h 28m via CA 99 and CA 4. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Fresno compare to Concord?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,530 in the Fresno MSA vs $72,050 in the Concord MSA, on total employment of 408,820 and 2,422,210 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 Concord.
City profiles: Concord, CA Β· Fresno, CA.