Moving from Modesto, CA to Corona, CA
Relocating between Modesto, CA and Corona, CA is a 358 mi drive β 6h 48m 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.
358 mi Β· 6h 48m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 99, I 5, I 210 |
| Major cities en route | Stockton, Fresno, Clovis, Visalia, Bakersfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Modesto | Corona | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.108 | 106.442 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 152.259 | 148.641 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 101.431 | 100.0 |
| Services | 108.476 | 129.312 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
2.2% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Modesto -0.7%, Corona -1.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Modesto | Corona |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 42Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 12.3" | 10.0" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MODESTO CITY CO AP, CA US, CHINO AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Modesto | Corona |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,614 | 158,839 |
| Median household income | $77,899 | $106,438 |
| Median age | 35.4 | 37.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.8% | 20.8% |
| Avg household size | 3.02 | 3.3 |
Expect median household income to rise 2.2% β $77,899 β $106,438 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Corona MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 267,890 | $47,210 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 177,100 | $47,040 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 167,590 | $34,570 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 136,950 | $36,420 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 115,940 | $32,240 |
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 Corona average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Corona sees only 10.0 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 Modesto to Corona?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 358 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Corona compare to Modesto?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,450 in the Corona MSA vs $47,720 in the Modesto MSA, on total employment of 1,661,860 and 192,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Corona, CA from Modesto, CA?
The driving distance is 358 mi and the route typically takes 6h 48m via CA 99 and I 5. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Corona more expensive than Modesto?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Corona is 2.2% higher than Modesto (106.442 vs 104.108, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Modesto vs Corona?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $106,438 in Corona vs $77,899 in Modesto β a 36.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Corona compared to Modesto?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $764,386 in Corona vs $446,494 in Modesto β a 71.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Modesto.
City profiles: Modesto, CA Β· Corona, CA.