Moving from Modesto, CA to Goodyear, AZ
A move from Modesto, CA to Goodyear, AZ covers 675 mi and around 12h 43m of driving through 2 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
675 mi · 12h 43m by car · CA → AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | CA → AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, CA 99, I 5 |
| 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 | Goodyear | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.108 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 152.259 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 108.476 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Goodyear and Modesto are close on the overall BEA RPP (104.108 vs 103.316); 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 0.8% higher in Goodyear than Modesto as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Modesto -0.7%, Goodyear -1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Modesto | Goodyear |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 74°F |
| January avg low | 39°F | 43°F |
| July avg high | 95°F | 107°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 12.3" | 7.4" |
Goodyear runs 10.8°F warmer on the annual average (63.1°F vs 73.9°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Goodyear sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MODESTO CITY CO AP, CA US, LAVEEN 3 SSE, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Modesto | Goodyear |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,614 | 102,891 |
| Median household income | $77,899 | $101,814 |
| Median age | 35.4 | 40.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.8% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 3.02 | 2.87 |
Median household income in Goodyear is 0.8% above Modesto ($77,899 vs $101,814, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Goodyear MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between California and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Goodyear average 107°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Goodyear sees only 7.4 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.8°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Goodyear, AZ from Modesto, CA?
The driving distance is 675 mi and the route typically takes 12h 43m via I 10 and CA 99. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Modesto vs Goodyear?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $101,814 in Goodyear vs $77,899 in Modesto — a 30.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Goodyear compared to Modesto?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $469,424 in Goodyear vs $446,494 in Modesto — a 5.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Goodyear?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 675 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Goodyear more expensive than Modesto?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Goodyear is 0.8% lower than Modesto (103.316 vs 104.108, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Goodyear compare to Modesto?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Goodyear MSA vs $47,720 in the Modesto MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 192,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Modesto.
City profiles: Modesto, CA · Goodyear, AZ.