Moving from Modesto, CA to Peoria, AZ
A move from Modesto, CA to Peoria, AZ covers 688 mi and around 12h 37m 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.
688 mi Β· 12h 37m by car Β· CA β AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β 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 | Peoria | 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 |
Peoria 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 Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 0.8% higher in Peoria than Modesto as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Modesto -0.7%, Peoria -1.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Modesto | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 105Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 12.3" | 9.6" |
Peoria runs 7.1Β°F warmer on the annual average (63.1Β°F vs 70.2Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Peoria sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MODESTO CITY CO AP, CA US, WITTMANN 1SE, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Modesto | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,614 | 194,338 |
| Median household income | $77,899 | $93,403 |
| Median age | 35.4 | 42.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.8% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 3.02 | 2.66 |
Median household income in Peoria is 0.8% above Modesto ($77,899 β $93,403, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Peoria 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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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.
- 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 Peoria average 105Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Peoria sees only 9.6 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Peoria, AZ from Modesto, CA?
The driving distance is 688 mi and the route typically takes 12h 37m via I 10 and CA 99. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Peoria compare to Modesto?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Peoria 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.
How does household income compare in Modesto vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $93,403 in Peoria vs $77,899 in Modesto β a 19.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Modesto?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $488,596 in Peoria vs $446,494 in Modesto β a 9.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Peoria more expensive than Modesto?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 0.8% lower than Modesto (103.316 vs 104.108, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Peoria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 688 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β 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 Β· Peoria, AZ.