Moving from Fairfield, CA to Reno, NV
The 171 mi from Fairfield to Reno translate to about 3h 23m 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.
171 mi · 3h 23m by car · NV → CA
Distance & route
| Route through | NV → CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, NV 659 |
| Major cities en route | Sparks, Roseville, Sacramento, Elk Grove, Vallejo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fairfield | Reno | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.479 | 101.014 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 154.993 | 89.274 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 96.271 | 100.0 |
| Services | 142.042 | 123.478 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 108.479 to 101.014, putting Reno roughly 6.9% below Fairfield on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Reno ZHVI at $567,857 is 6.9% below Fairfield at $609,269.
YoY change: Fairfield -2.4%, Reno -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Fairfield | Reno |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 40°F | 27°F |
| July avg high | 90°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 29.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 24.5" | 8.1" |
Climate cools by 7.2°F on the annual average — 61.7°F → 54.5°F.
Heavy-snow city: expect 29.7 in of snowfall annually at Reno.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: FAIRFIELD, CA US, RENO WFO, NV US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fairfield | Reno |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 119,985 | 268,959 |
| Median household income | $102,321 | $78,448 |
| Median age | 36.8 | 37.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.8% | 21.4% |
| Avg household size | 3.16 | 2.4 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 6.9% between Fairfield and Reno (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Reno MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 30,990 | $45,200 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 30,330 | $42,130 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 23,210 | $30,270 |
| Management Occupations | 21,700 | $97,370 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 19,500 | $36,430 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between California and Nevada
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Nevada'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
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- 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
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Reno averages 29.7 in annually vs 0.0 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Reno average 93°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Reno sees only 8.1 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Nevada after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Fairfield vs Reno?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $78,448 in Reno vs $102,321 in Fairfield — a 23.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Reno compared to Fairfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $567,857 in Reno vs $609,269 in Fairfield — a 6.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Reno, NV from Fairfield, CA?
The driving distance is 171 mi and the route typically takes 3h 23m via I 80 and NV 659. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Fairfield to Reno?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 171 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Reno compare to Fairfield?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,540 in the Reno MSA vs $53,520 in the Fairfield MSA, on total employment of 254,100 and 137,640 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Fairfield and Reno?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.5°F in Reno vs 61.7°F in Fairfield (7.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 29.7 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 8.1 in vs 24.5 in.
Is Reno more expensive than Fairfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Reno is 6.9% lower than Fairfield (101.014 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 · Reno, NV.