Moving from Reno, NV to Modesto, CA
Relocating between Reno, NV and Modesto, CA is a 203 mi drive β 3h 56m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
203 mi Β· 3h 56m by car Β· NV β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | NV β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, CA 99, I 80 BUSINESS |
| Major cities en route | Sparks, Roseville, Sacramento, Elk Grove, Antioch |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Reno | Modesto | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.014 | 104.108 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.274 | 152.259 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.271 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 123.478 | 108.476 | 100.0 |
Reno and Modesto sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $567,857 in Reno to $446,494 in Modesto, a 3.1% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Reno -0.4%, Modesto -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Reno | Modesto |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 27Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 29.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 8.1" | 12.3" |
Expect 8.6Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RENO WFO, NV US, MODESTO CITY CO AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Reno | Modesto |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 268,959 | 218,614 |
| Median household income | $78,448 | $77,899 |
| Median age | 37.3 | 35.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.4% | 13.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 3.02 |
Household income lines up β $78,448 vs $77,899 on ACS 5-year 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 Nevada 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
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- 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 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 does the job market in Modesto compare to Reno?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,720 in the Modesto MSA vs $47,540 in the Reno MSA, on total employment of 192,020 and 254,100 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Modesto more expensive than Reno?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Modesto is 3.1% higher than Reno (104.108 vs 101.014, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Modesto compared to Reno?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $446,494 in Modesto vs $567,857 in Reno β a 21.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Modesto, CA from Reno, NV?
The driving distance is 203 mi and the route typically takes 3h 56m via I 80 and CA 99. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Reno vs Modesto?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,899 in Modesto vs $78,448 in Reno β a 0.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Reno to Modesto?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 203 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 Reno.
City profiles: Reno, NV Β· Modesto, CA.