Moving from Modesto, CA to Fresno, CA
The 94 mi from Modesto to Fresno translate to about 1h 52m 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.
94 mi · 1h 52m by car · CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 99 |
| Major cities en route | Clovis, Stockton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Modesto | Fresno | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.108 | 102.158 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 152.259 | 161.01 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 108.476 | 95.725 | 100.0 |
Fresno and Modesto are close on the overall BEA RPP (104.108 vs 102.158); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 1.9% lower in Fresno than Modesto as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Modesto -0.7%, Fresno +0.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Modesto | Fresno |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 65°F |
| January avg low | 39°F | 41°F |
| July avg high | 95°F | 98°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 12.3" | 11.0" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 63.1°F vs 65.0°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Fresno sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MODESTO CITY CO AP, CA US, FRESNO YOSEMITE INTL AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Modesto | Fresno |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,614 | 543,615 |
| Median household income | $77,899 | $66,804 |
| Median age | 35.4 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.8% | 16.7% |
| Avg household size | 3.02 | 3.03 |
Income steps down 1.9%: $77,899 in Modesto vs $66,804 in Fresno.
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 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 Fresno 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: 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 — 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 the job market in Fresno compare to Modesto?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,530 in the Fresno MSA vs $47,720 in the Modesto MSA, on total employment of 408,820 and 192,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Fresno compared to Modesto?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $391,328 in Fresno vs $446,494 in Modesto — a 12.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Modesto vs Fresno?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,804 in Fresno vs $77,899 in Modesto — a 14.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Fresno more expensive than Modesto?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fresno is 1.9% lower than Modesto (102.158 vs 104.108, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Fresno, CA from Modesto, CA?
The driving distance is 94 mi and the route typically takes 1h 52m via CA 99. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Fresno?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 94 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Modesto.
City profiles: Modesto, CA · Fresno, CA.