Moving from Modesto to Sacramento, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Modesto to Sacramento costs $88–$4,186, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 74-mile route within California take 1–2 days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 374+ California moving companies.
- Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Modesto to Sacramento?
Moving from Modesto to Sacramento doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.
For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5).
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 74-mile move:
Moving from Modesto to Sacramento costs between $88 and $4,186, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 74-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $1,143–$3,693 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $811–$1,636 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $102–$160 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $128/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 374+ California movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Modesto to Sacramento?
Moving from Modesto to Sacramento costs between $88 and $4,186, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 74-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size:
- Full-service movers: $612–$4,186
- Moving containers: $578–$1,931
- Rental trucks: $88–$172
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves bundle packing, loading, transport, and unloading into one price. Professional packing alone tacks on $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers shift the loading and unloading work to you, which is where most of the savings come from.
- Rental trucks cut costs roughly 30% versus full-service, but you handle the driving for 74 miles and bring your own labor.
- moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $612–$3,145 | $578–$1,094 | $88–$133 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,143–$3,693 | $811–$1,636 | $102–$160 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,716–$4,186 | $1,035–$1,931 | $119–$172 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 374+ California moving companies, and are updated as of May 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
What extra fees should you expect on a Modesto to Sacramento move?
The most common extra fees on a Modesto to Sacramento move are professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. Most initial quotes leave these out, but they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price once layered in.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $128/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $200 minimum | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75–$500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150–$400 per item | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Modesto to Sacramento
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Modesto to Sacramento, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 74 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from Modesto to Sacramento. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout California, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 74 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Sacramento to Modesto guide.
How does Sacramento compare to Modesto?
Cost of living: Modesto vs. Sacramento
Cost-of-living differences between Modesto and Sacramento extend past housing. Rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends all matter. The data below gives you a clear picture of how living in Sacramento compares to Modesto.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Modesto | Sacramento | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,800 | $1,899 |
| Average home cost | $415,024 | $483,739 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,899 | $83,753 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,312 | $2,656 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,946 | $6,191 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 7.7% |
| Average sales tax | 8.88% | 8.75% |
Cost-of-living data for Modesto and Sacramento comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated May 2026 across 374+ California cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Sacramento are 6% higher than in Modesto. The gap is significant enough to factor into salary negotiations or housing tradeoffs.
- Home prices in Sacramento are 17% higher than Modesto. Plan for a larger down payment, higher monthly carry, and a longer path to comparable home equity.
- Average income in Sacramento is 8% higher than Modesto. Negotiating a cost-of-living raise is realistic if you're transferring within the same employer.
- Living expenses for one person in Sacramento are 15% higher than Modesto. The premium is most visible in housing and dining out.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Sacramento matches Modesto. Household budgets carry over without restructuring after the move.
- Unemployment rates match in Sacramento and Modesto. Use Modesto hiring timelines as a baseline for Sacramento planning.
- Sales taxes match in Sacramento and Modesto. Taxable spending stays level through the move.
If you live on $3,000 a month in Modesto, you'd need roughly $3,450 to maintain the same lifestyle in Sacramento.
How life is different in Modesto vs. Sacramento
Life in Sacramento compared to Modesto differs across weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population. The side-by-side breakdown below helps you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.
| Modesto | Sacramento | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 524,943 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 51-46 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 93ºF |
| Winter low | 39ºF | 39ºF |
| Annual rain | 13" | 20" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 49.21 |
- Sacramento is 140% larger in size than Modesto. Larger metros offer deeper job markets and more amenities, but cost of living and commute times typically rise with size.
- Modesto and Sacramento both voted Democratic in the last election.
- Summer highs in Sacramento (93°F) match Modesto (94°F). Cooling costs should run at comparable levels.
- Winter lows in Modesto (39°F) and Sacramento (39°F) are nearly identical. No major shift in winter lifestyle is required.
- Annual rainfall in Sacramento runs 20 inches, higher than Modesto's 13 inches. Drainage, basement waterproofing, and yard care expectations should adjust upward.
- Annual snowfall in Modesto and Sacramento is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime index in Sacramento (49.21) is lower than Modesto (65.76). Lower crime rates usually accompany lower insurance premiums and a broader housing search.
Things to do in Sacramento
Sacramento offers a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and university campuses. The categories below highlight standout destinations in each.
Museums in Sacramento
- California State Railroad Museum
- Crocker Art Museum
- California State Capitol Museum
- Old Sacramento
- California Automobile Museum
Parks in Sacramento
- Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park
- Capitol Park
- William Land Park
- McKinley Park
- American River Parkway
Sports teams in Sacramento
- Sacramento Kings (NBA)
- Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship)
- Sacramento River Cats (Triple-A West)
Universities in Sacramento
- California State University-Sacramento
- Epic Bible College
- MTI College
- Asher College
- Carrington College-Sacramento
Final verdict: best movers from Modesto to Sacramento
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Modesto to Sacramento, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide California service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $88–$4,186 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 374+ California movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from Modesto to Sacramento
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Modesto to Sacramento?
A full-service move from Modesto to Sacramento costs $543–$2,500 for a few items or a small bedroom. The cost to move a 2–3 bedroom home ranges from $1,143 to $3,693, and a 4-bedroom move or larger from Modesto to Sacramento costs from $1,716 to $4,186.
How much are moving container companies from Modesto to Sacramento?
Moving containers from Modesto to Sacramento cost $433–$1,005 for a studio or 1-bedroom. For 2–3 bedrooms, costs typically fall between $811 and $1,636. For 4–5 bedroom homes, expect to pay $1,035–$1,931.
How much is a moving truck from Modesto to Sacramento?
A rental moving truck from Modesto to Sacramento costs $84–$141 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $102–$160. A 4-bedroom or larger move runs $119–$172.
Rental trucks are usually the cheapest option, with the driving and heavy lifting handled by you. Estimated fuel costs are included in the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book Modesto-to-Sacramento movers?
Book your movers for a Modesto to Sacramento move at least 2 months in advance. For a summer move, secure your reservation 3 months ahead. Early booking increases your chances of getting your preferred date and can help you snag lower rates. Some companies throw in early-bird discounts for reservations placed ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Sacramento?
The cheapest moving deals to Sacramento fall between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means lower spending and an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
