Moving from San Jose to Modesto, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from San Jose to Modesto costs between $103 to $4,288 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 81-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from San Jose to Modesto
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from San Jose to Modesto are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in San Jose 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 81 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,155 - $3,652 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $861 - $1,767 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $112 - $178 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Best California Movers | $119/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 San Jose to Modesto?
It costs between $103 to $4,288 to move from San Jose to Modesto. The prices below break down your 81-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $616 - $4,288
- Moving containers: $635 - $2,073
- Rental trucks: $103 - $192
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $616 - $3,194 | $635 - $1,205 | $103 - $149 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,155 - $3,652 | $861 - $1,767 | $112 - $178 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,713 - $4,288 | $1,215 - $2,073 | $126 - $192 |
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 | $693 - $5,775+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $119/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $120/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $462 - $1,848 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $116 - $462 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from San Jose to Modesto
At 81 miles, your San Jose 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 San Jose to Modesto. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 81 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from San Jose to Modesto. They've been in business since 2011 (15 years of experience) and 86.9% of their 634 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Modesto to San Jose guide.
Considerations when moving from San Jose to Modesto
Cost of living: San Jose vs. Modesto
When weighing the cost of living in San Jose versus Modesto, there's more to consider than just housing costs. Let’s dive into important financial factors like rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends, so you can see how life in Modesto really compares to San Jose.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| San Jose | Modesto | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,095 | $1,800 |
| Average home cost | $1,184,000 | $415,024 |
| Average income (per capita) | $141,565 | $77,899 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,674 | $2,312 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,354 | $5,946 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 8.0% |
| Average Sales Tax | 9.38% | 8.88% |
- Rent in Modesto is around 42% less expensive than in San Jose, leaving you with extra cash for saving, investing, or having fun.
- Home prices in Modesto are 65% lower than in San Jose. That means you’ll have an easier time getting into the housing market, scoring a more affordable mortgage, and having extra cash left over for what matters most.
- Income in Modesto is 45% lower than in San Jose, so you might face tighter budget constraints, especially if local wages don’t keep pace with living costs.
- Living in Modesto is 37% cheaper for one person compared to San Jose. That means more money left in your pocket—to save, spend, or invest however you like.
- If you’re moving to Modesto, you’ll find that the cost of living is 29% lower than in San Jose. That means your family can save money and potentially enjoy a better quality of life after the move.
- Unemployment in Modesto is 21% higher than in San Jose. This means landing a job could be tougher and job security less certain—especially if you're making the move without a job already secured.
- Sales taxes are the same in Modesto and San Jose, meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in San Jose, you’d need about $1,890 in Modesto.
How life is different in San Jose vs. Modesto
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in San Jose and Modesto. From weather and population to cost of living, politics, and safety, these factors can all impact your daily life. Use this side-by-side comparison to find out which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| San Jose | Modesto | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 971,233 | 218,464 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 73-25 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 42ºF | 39ºF |
| Annual rain | 17" | 13" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 47.73 | 65.76 |
Modesto sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Modesto is approximately 78% lower than the population of San Jose. Moving to a smaller city usually means more peace, space, and affordability, but also fewer big-city conveniences.
- In the most recent presidential race, both San Jose and Modesto leaned Democratic.
- Modesto regularly records highs near 94°F, compared to San Jose at 82°F. Relocating here means more intense summers and greater focus on cooling and comfort.
- In the coldest months, both San Jose and Modesto face similar winter lows—San Jose drops to 42°F, while Modesto falls to 39°F.
- Both San Jose and Modesto receive similar amounts of rain annually—San Jose gets about 17 inches, while Modesto sees around 13 inches each year.
- Both San Jose and Modesto receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Modesto reports a higher crime index than San Jose, with scores of 65.76 and 47.73, respectively.
Things to do in Modesto
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? Modesto has it all.
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 San Jose to Modesto?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from San Jose to Modesto, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $570 and $2,661. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $1,155 up to $3,652. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $1,713 to $4,288 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from San Jose to Modesto?
Moving containers from San Jose to Modesto will cost you $481 to $1,184 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $861 to $1,767. A larger home will cost $1,215 to $2,073.
How much is a moving truck from San Jose to Modesto?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is typically your most budget-friendly choice. Just keep in mind, you’ll be handling all the driving and heavy lifting yourself. We’ve factored estimated fuel costs into these price estimates, so you know what to expect.
Renting a truck to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $96 to $151. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $112 and $178. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from San Jose to Modesto, costs usually fall between $126 and $192.
How far in advance should I book San Jose-to-Modesto movers?
To make your move from San Jose to Modesto as easy as possible, try locking in your movers at least two months ahead of time. If you’re planning to move during the busy summer season, aim for three months in advance. Booking early gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land you better rates. Some companies even offer early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Modesto?
For the best deals on your move to Modesto, aim for a date between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush not only saves you money, but also helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
