Moving from Fairfield, CA to Clovis, CA
The 180 mi from Fairfield to Clovis translate to about 3h 50m behind the wheel through 1 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 50m by car · CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 99, CA 12, I 5 |
| Major cities en route | Fresno, Modesto, Stockton, Elk Grove, Antioch |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fairfield | Clovis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.479 | 102.158 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 154.993 | 161.01 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 142.042 | 95.725 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 108.479 to 102.158, putting Clovis roughly 5.8% below Fairfield on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Clovis ZHVI at $521,708 is 5.8% below Fairfield at $609,269.
YoY change: Fairfield -2.4%, Clovis 0.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Fairfield | Clovis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62°F | 65°F |
| January avg low | 40°F | 41°F |
| July avg high | 90°F | 98°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 24.5" | 11.0" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Effectively snow-free year in Clovis — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: FAIRFIELD, CA US, FRESNO YOSEMITE INTL AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fairfield | Clovis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 119,985 | 122,719 |
| Median household income | $102,321 | $100,360 |
| Median age | 36.8 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.8% | 22.9% |
| Avg household size | 3.16 | 2.99 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Clovis 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 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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Clovis average 98°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Clovis 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 — 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
What is the climate difference between Fairfield and Clovis?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 65.0°F in Clovis vs 61.7°F in Fairfield (3.3°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 11.0 in vs 24.5 in.
How does the job market in Clovis compare to Fairfield?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,530 in the Clovis MSA vs $53,520 in the Fairfield MSA, on total employment of 408,820 and 137,640 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Clovis, CA from Fairfield, CA?
The driving distance is 180 mi and the route typically takes 3h 50m via CA 99 and CA 12. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Fairfield vs Clovis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $100,360 in Clovis vs $102,321 in Fairfield — a 1.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Fairfield to Clovis?
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 much do homes cost in Clovis compared to Fairfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $521,708 in Clovis vs $609,269 in Fairfield — a 14.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Clovis more expensive than Fairfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Clovis is 5.8% lower than Fairfield (102.158 vs 108.479, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fairfield.
City profiles: Fairfield, CA · Clovis, CA.