Moving from Norman, OK to Modesto, CA
Moving from Norman, OK to Modesto, CA is a 1569 mi cross-country relocation β about 27h 34m of driving through 5 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1569 mi Β· 27h 34m by car Β· CA β AZ β NM β TX β OK
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β AZ β NM β TX β OK |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, CA 99, CA 58 |
| Major cities en route | Stockton, Fresno, Clovis, Visalia, Bakersfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Norman | Modesto | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.408 | 104.108 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.067 | 152.259 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.885 | 108.476 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Modesto is 15.2% higher than Norman, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Modesto is 15.2% above Norman β $262,839 vs $446,494 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Norman +2.0%, Modesto -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Norman | Modesto |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 28Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 4.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.7" | 12.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Norman (60.7Β°F) and Modesto (63.1Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NORMAN 3SSE, OK US, MODESTO CITY CO AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Norman | Modesto |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 128,714 | 218,614 |
| Median household income | $65,060 | $77,899 |
| Median age | 31.6 | 35.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.2% | 13.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 3.02 |
Median household income in Modesto is 15.2% above Norman ($65,060 β $77,899, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Modesto MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 22,970 | $45,490 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 20,080 | $47,540 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 19,760 | $34,710 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 15,890 | $36,840 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 14,170 | $65,580 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Oklahoma and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Modesto 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: Modesto sees only 12.3 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.
- Register to vote in California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Modesto compared to Norman?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $446,494 in Modesto vs $262,839 in Norman β a 69.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Modesto, CA from Norman, OK?
The driving distance is 1569 mi and the route typically takes 27h 34m via I 40 and CA 99. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Norman vs Modesto?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,899 in Modesto vs $65,060 in Norman β a 19.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Norman to Modesto?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1569 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Modesto more expensive than Norman?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Modesto is 15.2% higher than Norman (104.108 vs 90.408, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Modesto compare to Norman?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,720 in the Modesto MSA vs $44,030 in the Norman MSA, on total employment of 192,020 and 656,800 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 Norman.
City profiles: Norman, OK Β· Modesto, CA.