Moving from Modesto, CA to Sunnyvale, CA
Moving from Modesto, CA to Sunnyvale, CA covers 82 mi and about 1h 42m by car through 1 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
82 mi Β· 1h 42m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 99, I 205, I 580 |
| Major cities en route | Stockton, Antioch, Concord, Berkeley, Oakland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Modesto | Sunnyvale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.108 | 110.423 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 152.259 | 156.659 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 108.476 | 211.901 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 6.1% pricier overall in Sunnyvale than Modesto on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Sunnyvale typical home at $2,168,909 is 6.1% above Modesto at $446,494 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Modesto -0.7%, Sunnyvale -0.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Modesto | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 42Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 12.3" | 13.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 63.1Β°F vs 59.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MODESTO CITY CO AP, CA US, MOFFETT FEDERAL AIRFIELD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Modesto | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,614 | 153,455 |
| Median household income | $77,899 | $181,862 |
| Median age | 35.4 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.8% | 30.3% |
| Avg household size | 3.02 | 2.61 |
Median household income in Sunnyvale is 6.1% above Modesto ($77,899 vs $181,862, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Sunnyvale MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 161,790 | $175,110 |
| Management Occupations | 119,300 | $206,650 |
| Software Developers | 96,590 | $199,100 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 93,740 | $59,850 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 90,500 | $120,970 |
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
- Dry climate: Sunnyvale sees only 13.5 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 does household income compare in Modesto vs Sunnyvale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $181,862 in Sunnyvale vs $77,899 in Modesto β a 133.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Sunnyvale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 82 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Sunnyvale, CA from Modesto, CA?
The driving distance is 82 mi and the route typically takes 1h 42m via CA 99 and I 205. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Sunnyvale more expensive than Modesto?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Sunnyvale is 6.1% higher than Modesto (110.423 vs 104.108, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Sunnyvale compare to Modesto?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $81,470 in the Sunnyvale MSA vs $47,720 in the Modesto MSA, on total employment of 1,141,820 and 192,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Sunnyvale compared to Modesto?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $2,168,909 in Sunnyvale vs $446,494 in Modesto β a 385.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Modesto.
City profiles: Modesto, CA Β· Sunnyvale, CA.