Moving from Thousand Oaks, CA to Modesto, CA
The 320 mi from Thousand Oaks to Modesto translate to about 6h 4m 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.
320 mi Β· 6h 4m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 99, I 5, CA 118 |
| Major cities en route | Stockton, Fresno, Clovis, Visalia, Bakersfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Thousand Oaks | Modesto | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 110.534 | 104.108 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 152.925 | 152.259 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 171.096 | 108.476 | 100.0 |
Modesto is 5.8% cheaper than Thousand Oaks overall, 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 5.8% below Thousand Oaks β $1,049,634 vs $446,494 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Thousand Oaks 0.0%, Modesto -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Thousand Oaks | Modesto |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 45Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 78Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 12.0" | 12.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Thousand Oaks (62.5Β°F) and Modesto (63.1Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CAMARILLO AP, CA US, MODESTO CITY CO AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Thousand Oaks | Modesto |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,676 | 218,614 |
| Median household income | $134,367 | $77,899 |
| Median age | 44.5 | 35.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.5% | 13.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 3.02 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 5.8% between Thousand Oaks and Modesto (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.
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 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.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Modesto compare to Thousand Oaks?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,720 in the Modesto MSA vs $48,380 in the Thousand Oaks MSA, on total employment of 192,020 and 315,720 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Thousand Oaks to Modesto?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 320 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Thousand Oaks vs Modesto?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,899 in Modesto vs $134,367 in Thousand Oaks β a 42.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Modesto, CA from Thousand Oaks, CA?
The driving distance is 320 mi and the route typically takes 6h 4m via CA 99 and I 5. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Modesto more expensive than Thousand Oaks?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Modesto is 5.8% lower than Thousand Oaks (104.108 vs 110.534, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Modesto compared to Thousand Oaks?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $446,494 in Modesto vs $1,049,634 in Thousand Oaks β a 57.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Thousand Oaks.
City profiles: Thousand Oaks, CA Β· Modesto, CA.