Moving from Modesto, CA to San Bernardino, CA
The 363 mi from Modesto to San Bernardino translate to about 6h 51m 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.
363 mi Β· 6h 51m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 99, CA 210, I 5 TRUCK |
| Major cities en route | Moreno Valley, Victorville, Rialto, Riverside, Fontana |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Modesto | San Bernardino | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.108 | 106.442 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 152.259 | 148.641 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 101.431 | 100.0 |
| Services | 108.476 | 129.312 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in San Bernardino and Modesto is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in San Bernardino is 2.2% above Modesto ($487,988 vs $446,494 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Modesto -0.7%, San Bernardino -0.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Modesto | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 41Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 12.3" | 12.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Modesto (63.1Β°F) and San Bernardino (65.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
San Bernardino gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MODESTO CITY CO AP, CA US, REDLANDS, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Modesto | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,614 | 221,774 |
| Median household income | $77,899 | $63,988 |
| Median age | 35.4 | 31.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.8% | 9% |
| Avg household size | 3.02 | 3.51 |
Income steps down 2.2%: $77,899 in Modesto vs $63,988 in San Bernardino.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in San Bernardino MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 267,890 | $47,210 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 177,100 | $47,040 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 167,590 | $34,570 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 136,950 | $36,420 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 115,940 | $32,240 |
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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in San Bernardino average 95Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: San Bernardino sees only 12.9 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 much do homes cost in San Bernardino compared to Modesto?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $487,988 in San Bernardino vs $446,494 in Modesto β a 9.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in San Bernardino compare to Modesto?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,450 in the San Bernardino MSA vs $47,720 in the Modesto MSA, on total employment of 1,661,860 and 192,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is San Bernardino more expensive than Modesto?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in San Bernardino is 2.2% higher than Modesto (106.442 vs 104.108, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Modesto vs San Bernardino?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,988 in San Bernardino vs $77,899 in Modesto β a 17.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Modesto to San Bernardino?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 363 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is San Bernardino, CA from Modesto, CA?
The driving distance is 363 mi and the route typically takes 6h 51m via CA 99 and CA 210. 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· San Bernardino, CA.