Moving from Modesto, CA to Santa Rosa, CA
The 139 mi from Modesto to Santa Rosa translate to about 2h 46m 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.
139 mi Β· 2h 46m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 580, US 101, CA 99 |
| Major cities en route | Stockton, Antioch, San Jose, Fremont, Santa Clara |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Modesto | Santa Rosa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.108 | 107.784 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 152.259 | 154.777 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 108.476 | 139.569 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Modesto (104.108) and Santa Rosa (107.784) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Santa Rosa: 3.5% above Modesto on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Modesto -0.7%, Santa Rosa -2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Modesto | Santa Rosa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 12.3" | 31.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Effectively snow-free year in Santa Rosa β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MODESTO CITY CO AP, CA US, SANTA ROSA, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Modesto | Santa Rosa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,614 | 177,216 |
| Median household income | $77,899 | $97,410 |
| Median age | 35.4 | 40.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.8% | 21.3% |
| Avg household size | 3.02 | 2.6 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 3.5% between Modesto and Santa Rosa (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Santa Rosa MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 22,200 | $36,990 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 22,130 | $50,550 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 19,610 | $42,770 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 15,180 | $45,180 |
| Management Occupations | 14,030 | $119,330 |
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
How much do homes cost in Santa Rosa compared to Modesto?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $718,726 in Santa Rosa vs $446,494 in Modesto β a 61.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Modesto vs Santa Rosa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $97,410 in Santa Rosa vs $77,899 in Modesto β a 25.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Santa Rosa, CA from Modesto, CA?
The driving distance is 139 mi and the route typically takes 2h 46m via I 580 and US 101. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Santa Rosa?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 139 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Santa Rosa more expensive than Modesto?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Santa Rosa is 3.5% higher than Modesto (107.784 vs 104.108, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Santa Rosa compare to Modesto?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $51,670 in the Santa Rosa MSA vs $47,720 in the Modesto MSA, on total employment of 206,310 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 Β· Santa Rosa, CA.