Moving from Modesto, CA to Glendale, CA
Relocating between Modesto, CA and Glendale, CA is a 309 mi drive β 5h 51m 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.
309 mi Β· 5h 51m 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 | Glendale | 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 |
Glendale runs about 9.1% more expensive overall than Modesto β RPP 104.108 β 113.566.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $446,494 in Modesto to $1,201,880 in Glendale, a 9.1% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Modesto -0.7%, Glendale -0.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Modesto | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 12.3" | 16.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 63.1Β°F vs 64.5Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Glendale sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MODESTO CITY CO AP, CA US, BURBANK VALLEY PUMP PLT, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Modesto | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,614 | 192,270 |
| Median household income | $77,899 | $84,262 |
| Median age | 35.4 | 41.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.8% | 28.7% |
| Avg household size | 3.02 | 2.63 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 9.1% higher in Glendale than Modesto.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Glendale 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
- 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 Glendale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 309 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Glendale compared to Modesto?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,201,880 in Glendale vs $446,494 in Modesto β a 169.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Glendale, CA from Modesto, CA?
The driving distance is 309 mi and the route typically takes 5h 51m via CA 99 and I 5. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Glendale compare to Modesto?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Glendale 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 does household income compare in Modesto vs Glendale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $84,262 in Glendale vs $77,899 in Modesto β a 8.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Glendale more expensive than Modesto?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Glendale is 9.1% higher than Modesto (113.566 vs 104.108, 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 Modesto.
City profiles: Modesto, CA Β· Glendale, CA.