Moving from Modesto, CA to Garden Grove, CA
The 340 mi from Modesto to Garden Grove translate to about 6h 28m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β 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.
340 mi Β· 6h 28m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 99, I 5, I 5 TRUCK |
| 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 | Garden Grove | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.108 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 152.259 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 108.476 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 9.1% pricier overall in Garden Grove than Modesto on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Garden Grove typical home at $1,013,183 is 9.1% above Modesto at $446,494 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Modesto -0.7%, Garden Grove +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Modesto | Garden Grove |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 49Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 12.3" | 12.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 63.1Β°F vs 66.1Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Garden Grove sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MODESTO CITY CO AP, CA US, SANTA ANA FIRE STN, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Modesto | Garden Grove |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,614 | 170,603 |
| Median household income | $77,899 | $90,166 |
| Median age | 35.4 | 39.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.8% | 18.9% |
| Avg household size | 3.02 | 3.51 |
Income steps up 9.1%: $77,899 in Modesto vs $90,166 in Garden Grove.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Garden Grove MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 746,160 | $48,810 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 570,740 | $35,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 516,960 | $40,560 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 494,430 | $39,510 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 461,490 | $33,530 |
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
- Dry climate: Garden Grove sees only 12.5 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
How does household income compare in Modesto vs Garden Grove?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,166 in Garden Grove vs $77,899 in Modesto β a 15.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Garden Grove compared to Modesto?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,013,183 in Garden Grove vs $446,494 in Modesto β a 126.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Garden Grove?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 340 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Garden Grove more expensive than Modesto?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Garden Grove is 9.1% higher than Modesto (113.566 vs 104.108, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Garden Grove compare to Modesto?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Garden Grove MSA vs $47,720 in the Modesto MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 192,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Garden Grove, CA from Modesto, CA?
The driving distance is 340 mi and the route typically takes 6h 28m via CA 99 and I 5. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Modesto.
City profiles: Modesto, CA Β· Garden Grove, CA.