Moving from Bakersfield to Modesto, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Bakersfield to Modesto costs between $266 to $6,137 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 203-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Bakersfield to Modesto
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Bakersfield to Modesto are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Bakersfield to driving and unloading in Modesto, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 203 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,689 - $5,062 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,170 - $2,140 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $292 - $549 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Mentors Moving & Storage | $116/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Bakersfield to Modesto?
It costs between $266 to $6,137 to move from Bakersfield to Modesto. The prices below break down your 203-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,040 - $6,137
- Moving containers: $984 - $2,730
- Rental trucks: $266 - $639
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,040 - $3,803 | $984 - $1,562 | $266 - $503 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,689 - $5,062 | $1,170 - $2,140 | $292 - $549 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,250 - $6,137 | $1,644 - $2,730 | $379 - $639 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $300 - $2,500+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $116/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $90/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $200 - $800 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Bakersfield to Modesto
At 203 miles, your Bakersfield to Modesto move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Bakersfield to Modesto. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 203 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Meathead Movers is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Bakersfield to Modesto. They've been in business since 2003 (23 years of experience) and 87.6% of their 274 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Modesto to Bakersfield guide.
Considerations when moving from Bakersfield to Modesto
Cost of living: Bakersfield vs. Modesto
When comparing the cost of living between Bakersfield and Modesto, you need to look beyond housing prices. This section breaks down some key financial factors, including rent, home values, income, day-to-day expenses, and employment rates, to help you understand how life in Modesto stacks up against Bakersfield.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Bakersfield | Modesto | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,695 | $1,800 |
| Average home cost | $345,317 | $415,024 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,397 | $77,899 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,493 | $2,312 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,940 | $5,946 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 8.0% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.25% | 8.88% |
- Rent prices in Modesto are 6% higher than in Bakersfield. So, you’ll likely need to set aside more for housing, which could shrink your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Modesto are 20% higher than in Bakersfield, which could make buying a home more challenging. It might require a larger upfront investment and could increase your monthly mortgage payments.
- You’ll find that income levels in Bakersfield and Modesto are pretty similar, so you can count on consistent earning potential, making it easier to manage your finances.
- Cost of living for one person in Modesto is 7% lower than in Bakersfield. You’ll likely have extra room in your budget, perfect for saving, spending, or investing.
- The cost of living for a family in Modesto is 14% lower than in Bakersfield. This can make the move financially beneficial if your family is looking to save or improve your quality of life.
- Unemployment in Modesto is 36% higher than in Bakersfield. Finding a good, stable job might be more challenging if you’re moving without having lined up a job.
- Sales taxes run 8% higher in Modesto than in Bakersfield, so you should plan on higher costs for regular taxable purchases.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,790 in Modesto to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Bakersfield.
How life is different in Bakersfield vs. Modesto
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Modesto vs. Bakersfield. Everything from weather and the population to cost of living, politics, and safety can shape your day-to-day experience. Check out this side-by-side comparison to decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Bakersfield | Modesto | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 909,235 | 218,464 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-46 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 97ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 38ºF | 39ºF |
| Annual rain | 7" | 13" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 58.49 | 65.76 |
Modesto sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that Modesto has about 76% fewer people than Bakersfield. Moving to a smaller city usually means more tranquility, extra room, and lower expenses, though you might give up some big-city conveniences.
- In the last presidential election, Modesto leaned Democratic, while Bakersfield went Republican.
- Both Modesto and Bakersfield average summer highs close to 94°F. That means your daily rhythm in summer should feel familiar after the move.
- During the coldest part of the year, both Bakersfield and Modesto experience similar winter lows, with Bakersfield reaching 38°F and Modesto getting down to 39°F.
- Modesto typically gets more rain than Bakersfield, with an average annual rainfall of 13 inches compared to Bakersfield’s 7 inches.
- Both Bakersfield and Modesto receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Modesto has a higher crime rate than Bakersfield, with a crime index of 65.76 vs 58.49.
Things to do in Modesto
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Modesto has you covered.
Museums in Modesto
- Great Valley Museum
- McHenry Museum
- Mistlin Gallery
Parks in Modesto
- Tuolumne River Trail
Sports teams in Modesto
- Modesto Nuts (California League)
Universities in Modesto
- Modesto Junior College
- Community Business College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Bakersfield to Modesto?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Bakersfield to Modesto, expect to pay between $861 and $3,274 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $1,689 and $5,062. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $2,250 up to $6,137 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Bakersfield to Modesto?
If you’re moving from Bakersfield to Modesto and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $656 and go up to $1,601. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $1,170 and $2,140. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $1,644 and $2,730.
How much is a moving truck from Bakersfield to Modesto?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $269 to $503. A larger move will cost $292 to $549, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Bakersfield to Modesto costs from $379 to $639.
How far in advance should I book Bakersfield-to-Modesto movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Bakersfield to Modesto at least two months before your moving date. Planning a summer move? Aim for at least three months in advance, since that’s the busiest season. Locking in your Bakersfield-to-Modesto movers early not only helps you snag your preferred date, but it can also score you the best prices. Some moving companies even sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts when you book ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Modesto?
To save money on your move to Modesto, plan it between early October and late April. Moving outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
