San Francisco to Modesto Movers & Costs (2026)
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A San Francisco to Modesto, CA move (~89 miles) starts around $87 for a studio move with a rental truck, and goes up to $3,970 for full-service movers handling a 5-bedroom home.
Local movers such as Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc., moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.66 out of 5 stars across 634 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $150/hr per mover, with a typical 2 - 3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
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Summer is the busiest time to move. Prices run 20 - 30% above the annual average and movers fill weeks in advance. Book now to secure your preferred date.
What are the best ways to move from San Francisco to Modesto?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like San Francisco to Modesto are regulated by California law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid California intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.
This is a local move, typically billed hourly by California companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.
For full-service moves, we recommend Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.66/5) as the top local pick, followed by Good Green Moving (4.52/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most San Francisco to Modesto moves complete in 1 - 2 days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.
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 San Francisco to Modesto?
A move from San Francisco to Modesto runs $87 to $3,970*, per moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Costs shift based on service type and home size.
Here's what each option costs:
- Full-service movers: $537 - $3,970
- Moving containers: $565 - $1,682
- Rental trucks: $87 - $167
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves combine packing, loading, transport, and unloading in one quote. Professional packing alone runs $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower your costs by putting the loading and unloading on you while the company handles transport.
- Rental trucks land roughly 30% under full-service pricing, but you're responsible for driving the truck and arranging your own moving help.
- Movers using moveBuddha's cost calculator typically save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $537 - $2,571 | $565 - $1,009 | $87 - $129 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,070 - $3,119 | $789 - $1,510 | $95 - $152 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,477 - $3,970 | $978 - $1,682 | $110 - $167 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 374+ California moving companies, and are updated as of September 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.
Learn more about the cost of San Francisco, CA movers.
How San Francisco to Modesto moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $150 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $1,800.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15 - $0.21 per lb. 27% of San Francisco movers offer fragile-only packing, vs 24% nationally |
Full-service movers |
| Fuel surcharge | $100 - $400 (or 8% - 15% of transport charges) | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08 - $0.12 per lb. ($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 27% of San Francisco movers handle hot tubs, vs 22% nationally. Top pick: Luigy's Moving & Storage |
Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Contents coverage plan | 1% - 2% of the total value of your belongings | All move types |
Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.
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 San Francisco to Modesto
Moving from San Francisco to Modesto is a job for local and regional California movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.66 out of 5 stars across 634 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from San Francisco to Modesto
Local movers operating within California know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.
rating
Our top local picks:
- Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.66/5 stars): 86.9% positive customer ratings.
- Good Green Moving (4.52/5 stars): 88.6% positive customer ratings.
- Gentle Giant Moving Company (4.64/5 stars): 94.6% positive customer ratings.
- NorthStar Moving Company (4.52/5 stars): 91.6% positive customer ratings.
- Pure Moving Company (4.48/5 stars): 97.6% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 89 movers in San Francisco, drawing on 32,231 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from San Francisco to Modesto
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
Our top national picks:
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
- North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
- International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.
More popular routes from San Francisco, CA
San Francisco residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More California moving resources
How does Modesto compare to San Francisco?
Cost of living: San Francisco vs. Modesto
A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.
| San Francisco | Modesto | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,250 | $1,800 |
| Average home cost | $1,374,773 | $415,024 |
| Average income (per capita) | $141,446 | $77,899 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,781 | $2,312 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,717 | $5,946 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 8.0% |
| Average sales tax | 8.63% | 8.88% |
Cost-of-living data for San Francisco and Modesto comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated September 2026 across 374+ California moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Modesto are 45% lower than in San Francisco. The gap typically frees up several hundred dollars a month for savings or a larger unit.
- Home prices in Modesto are 70% lower than San Francisco. Buyers can stretch existing budget into a larger home, better neighborhood, or earlier purchase timeline.
- Average income in Modesto is 45% lower than San Francisco. A same-role transfer typically requires offsetting the salary gap with cost-of-living savings.
- Cost of living for one person in Modesto is 39% lower than San Francisco. The savings typically free up 39% of monthly take-home for savings or discretionary spending.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Modesto is 32% lower than San Francisco. Most households convert the savings into housing upgrades, college savings, or retirement contributions.
- Unemployment in Modesto runs 48% higher than San Francisco. Lock in a role before relocating, especially if you depend on a single income.
- Sales taxes in Modesto and San Francisco match. Day-to-day taxable purchases cost the same in both cities.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,830 in Modesto to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in San Francisco.
How life is different in San Francisco vs. Modesto
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Modesto might look different from San Francisco in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| San Francisco | Modesto | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 808,988 | 218,464 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 85-13 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 67ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 46ºF | 39ºF |
| Annual rain | 25" | 13" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 61.41 | 65.76 |
Did you know: Summer moves in California can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 22% of movers in California, vs 33% nationally).
- Modesto is 73% smaller in size than San Francisco. Smaller cities typically offer lower housing costs and shorter commutes, with fewer industry options for niche careers.
- In the last presidential election, both San Francisco and Modesto voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in Modesto reach 94°F, hotter than San Francisco at 67°F. Expect higher AC costs and more indoor activity from June to August.
- Winter lows in Modesto reach 39°F, colder than San Francisco's 46°F. Plan for higher heating costs and winterization needs.
- Annual rainfall in San Francisco is 25 inches, vs. 13 inches in Modesto. The drier climate in Modesto typically supports more outdoor lifestyle and less wet-weather gear.
- Annual snowfall in San Francisco and Modesto is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime index in Modesto (65.76) is higher than San Francisco (61.41). Vet specific neighborhoods carefully and check property crime rates at the ZIP-code level.
Things to do in Modesto
Modesto balances outdoor access, cultural depth, sports culture, and academic presence. The categories below cover the best of each.
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
Final verdict: San Francisco to Modesto movers
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide California service. For smaller moves, Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.66/5) is the top local choice, with 86.9% positive reviews across 634 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $87 - $3,970, based on our analysis of 374+ California movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from San Francisco to Modesto
How many movers in San Francisco offer labor-only help?
57% of movers in San Francisco offer labor-only help for loading or unloading a truck or container you rent yourself, compared to 56% nationally.
Do movers in California offer storage?
86% of movers in California offer storage, including storage-in-transit for when your new place isn't ready when the truck arrives, compared to 85% nationally.
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from San Francisco to Modesto?
A full-service move from San Francisco to Modesto costs $502 - $2,364 for a few items or a small bedroom. A 2 - 3 bedroom home runs $1,070 - $3,119, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $1,477 - $3,970.
How much are moving container companies from San Francisco to Modesto?
Moving containers from San Francisco to Modesto cost $395 - $1,022 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. A 2 - 3 bedroom move runs $789 - $1,510, and a larger home costs $978 - $1,682.
How much is a moving truck from San Francisco to Modesto?
A rental truck from San Francisco to Modesto costs $88 - $138 for a studio or 1-bedroom move, $95 - $152 for 2 - 3 bedrooms, and $110 - $167 for 4 or more. It's usually the cheapest option since you handle the driving and loading yourself, and the estimate includes fuel.
