Moving from Modesto to San Bernardino, CA

Quick answer: Moving from Modesto to San Bernardino costs between $401 to $8,317 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 365-mile route within California take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.

Compare moving options from Modesto to San Bernardino

The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Modesto to San Bernardino are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.

  • Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Modesto to driving and unloading in San Bernardino, 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 365 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
Move type Top pick Average cost Best for Main downside
Full-service mover Safeway Moving $2,108 - $5,677 Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading Highest price of all options
Moving container PODS $1,359 - $2,673 Pack and load on your own schedule You handle all loading and unloading
Rental truck Budget Truck Rental $458 - $842 Lowest upfront cost You drive, load, and unload everything yourself
Labor-only Brewer Moving LLC $128/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 Modesto to San Bernardino?

It costs between $401 to $8,317 to move from Modesto to San Bernardino. The prices below break down your 365-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.

  • Full service movers: $1,299 - $8,317
  • Moving containers: $1,063 - $3,468
  • Rental trucks: $401 - $1,050
Home size Full-service mover Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,299 - $4,215 $1,063 - $1,885 $401 - $710
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,108 - $5,677 $1,359 - $2,673 $458 - $842
4+ bedrooms $3,214 - $8,317 $1,709 - $3,468 $518 - $1,050
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 11 years of experience, reviewing 3,155 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.

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 $348 - $2,900+ Full-service movers
Loading labor $128/hr per mover Moving containers, rental trucks
Storage About $120/month Moving containers
Shuttle fee $232 - $928 Full-service movers
Equipment rental $58 - $232 Rental trucks
Added protection 1% - 2% of declared value All move types

Best movers from Modesto to San Bernardino

At 365 miles, your Modesto to San Bernardino 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 Modesto to San Bernardino. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 365 miles.

Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves

Grace Moving Company is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Modesto to San Bernardino. They've been in business since 1999 (27 years of experience) and 91.6% of their 467 verified reviews are positive.

More California moving resources

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our San Bernardino to Modesto guide.

Considerations when moving from Modesto to San Bernardino

Cost of living: Modesto vs. San Bernardino

Comparing life in Modesto and San Bernardino goes beyond just looking at housing prices. We’ll break down key financial factors, like rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends, so you can get a clear picture of how living in San Bernardino stacks up against Modesto.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Modesto San Bernardino
Average rent cost $1,800 $1,950
Average home cost $415,024 $381,380
Average income (per capita) $77,899 $63,988
Cost of living (single person) $2,312 $2,054
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,946 $4,469
Unemployment rate 8.0% 10.6%
Average Sales Tax 8.88% 8.75%
  • Rent prices in San Bernardino are 8% higher than in Modesto. You can expect to pay more for housing, which could leave you with less money for savings or other expenses.
  • Home prices in San Bernardino are 8% lower than in Modesto, making it easier for you to buy a home, secure an affordable mortgage, and still have money left for the things you care about most.
  • Income in San Bernardino is 18% lower than in Modesto, which could mean a tighter budget, especially if local salaries don’t match up with the cost of living.
  • Moving to San Bernardino means you’ll spend 11% less on living expenses than you would in Modesto. That puts more cash in your pocket to save, splurge, or invest as you please.
  • If you’re relocating to San Bernardino, you’ll be glad to know the cost of living is 25% lower than in Modesto. That means you can stretch your budget further and possibly enjoy an even better quality of life after your move.
  • Unemployment in San Bernardino is 32% higher than in Modesto. So, finding work may be more challenging, and job stability could be less reliable, especially if you’re relocating without having a job lined up.
  • Sales taxes match in San Bernardino and Modesto, so your day-to-day spending on taxable goods shouldn’t be affected by the move.

If you’re used to living on $3,000 a month in Modesto, you’d need roughly $2,670 to maintain the same lifestyle in San Bernardino.

How life is different in Modesto vs. San Bernardino

Before you move, see how life stacks up in San Bernardino compared to Modesto. You should compare everything from weather and cost of living to politics, safety, and population. This side-by-side breakdown will help you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.

Modesto San Bernardino
Population 218,464 222,101
Political leaning Democratic 49.8-48.3 Democratic 49.8-48.3
Summer high 94ºF 95ºF
Winter low 39ºF 42ºF
Annual rain 13" 13"
Annual snow 0" 0"
Crime index 65.76 73.87
  • Moving from Modesto to San Bernardino might seem straightforward since both cities are similarly sized, but don’t let that fool you. The real differences lie in each city's atmosphere, job market, layout, and living costs. Those are the things you’ll really feel.
  • Modesto and San Bernardino both voted Democratic in the last election.
  • Moving between Modesto and San Bernardino won’t bring major summer surprises. With highs near 95°F in both cities, your summer lifestyle should stay consistent.
  • During the chilliest months, both Modesto and San Bernardino experience similar lows—expect 39°F in Modesto and 42°F in San Bernardino.
  • Both Modesto and San Bernardino experience similar annual rainfall, with Modesto receiving 13 inches and San Bernardino getting 13 inches.
  • Both Modesto and San Bernardino receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
  • Crime is higher in San Bernardino (73.87) than in Modesto (65.76).

Things to do in San Bernardino

Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in San Bernardino.

Museums in San Bernardino

  • Original McDonald's Site and Museum
  • San Bernardino History & Railroad Museum
  • Norton AFB Museum
  • Inland Empire Military Museum
  • Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art

Parks in San Bernardino

  • Glen Helen Regional Park
  • Blair Park

Sports teams in San Bernardino

  • Inland Empire 66ers (Baseball)
  • California State University of San Bernardino Coyotes

Universities in San Bernardino

  • California State University, San Bernardino
  • California University of Science and Medicine
  • San Bernardino Valley College
  • The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire
  • American Sports University

FAQ

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Modesto to San Bernardino?

Shipping furniture from Modesto to San Bernardino with a mover will cost between $1,175 and $3,838. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,108–$5,677, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Modesto to San Bernardino will cost from $3,214–$8,317.

How much are moving container companies from Modesto to San Bernardino?

If you're moving from Modesto to San Bernardino and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $750 to $1,705. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $1,359 and $2,673. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $1,709 up to $3,468.

How much is a moving truck from Modesto to San Bernardino?

If you want to keep costs down, renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just remember, you’ll be responsible for driving and all the heavy lifting. We’ve included estimated fuel costs in our pricing, so there are no surprises.

If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, you’ll usually spend between $401 and $747. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $458 to $842. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from Modesto to San Bernardino, truck rental prices typically range from $518 up to $1,050.

How far in advance should I book Modesto-to-San Bernardino movers?

For a smooth move from Modesto to San Bernardino, book your movers at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, try to secure your moving reservation three months ahead. Early booking not only increases your chances of getting your preferred date but can also help you snag lower rates. Some companies even throw in early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to San Bernardino?

To score the best moving deals to San Bernardino, plan your move between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means you’ll spend less and have an easier time picking your ideal moving date.