Moving from Santa Ana to Modesto, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Santa Ana to Modesto costs between $410 to $7,906 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 343-mile route within California take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Santa Ana to Modesto
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Santa Ana to Modesto are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Santa Ana 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 343 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,025 - $5,632 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,396 - $2,505 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $423 - $850 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Best Fit Movers | $75/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 Santa Ana to Modesto?
It costs between $410 to $7,906 to move from Santa Ana to Modesto. The prices below break down your 343-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,242 - $7,906
- Moving containers: $1,102 - $3,412
- Rental trucks: $410 - $998
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,242 - $4,502 | $1,102 - $1,803 | $410 - $725 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,025 - $5,632 | $1,396 - $2,505 | $423 - $850 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,925 - $7,906 | $1,775 - $3,412 | $509 - $998 |
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 | $495 - $4,125+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $75/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $110/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $330 - $1,320 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $83 - $330 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Santa Ana to Modesto
At 343 miles, your Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana to Modesto. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 343 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Santa Ana to Modesto. They've been in business since 2002 (24 years of experience) and 88.2% of their 51 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Modesto to Santa Ana guide.
Considerations when moving from Santa Ana to Modesto
Cost of living: Santa Ana vs. Modesto
The cost of living in Santa Ana vs. Modesto goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in Modesto stacks up against Santa Ana.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Santa Ana | Modesto | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,650 | $1,800 |
| Average home cost | $657,015 | $415,024 |
| Average income (per capita) | $88,354 | $77,899 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $6,333 | $2,312 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,160 | $5,946 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 8.0% |
| Average Sales Tax | 9.25% | 8.88% |
- Rent in Modesto is roughly 32% less expensive than in Santa Ana. That leaves you with extra cash for savings, entertainment, or anything else you want to spend money on.
- Home prices in Modesto are 37% lower than in Santa Ana, which may make it easier to enter the housing market and get a more affordable mortgage, freeing up your budget for other priorities.
- Income in Modesto is 12% lower than in Santa Ana. You may need to keep a closer eye on your budget, particularly if salaries don’t match the cost of living.
- Cost of living for a single person in Modesto is 63% lower than in Santa Ana. That means you’ll probably have more room in your budget for saving, spending, or investing.
- The living costs for a family of four are 47% lower in Modesto than in Santa Ana. That means your money stretches further, giving you extra room in your budget and the opportunity to enjoy an even better quality of life after your move.
- Unemployment in Modesto is 14% higher than in Santa Ana. This means job hunting may be tougher and job security less certain, especially if you’re relocating without having a job lined up.
- Sales taxes are equal in Modesto and Santa Ana, so your move shouldn’t bring any surprises on taxable purchases.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Santa Ana, expect to budget around $1,110 to maintain the same lifestyle in Modesto.
How life is different in Santa Ana vs. Modesto
As you plan your move, comparing life in Santa Ana vs. Modesto is essential to making an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and needs. Factors like population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety can significantly impact your experience in a new place. Below is a side-by-side breakdown of key differences between Santa Ana and Modesto to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| Santa Ana | Modesto | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 310,227 | 218,464 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 47ºF | 39ºF |
| Annual rain | 13" | 13" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 54.17 | 65.76 |
Modesto sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll find that Modesto is about 30% less populated than Santa Ana. Living in a smaller city often means more peace, extra space, and lower costs, but you might miss some of the perks that come with big-city life.
- The last presidential election saw both Santa Ana and Modesto siding with the Democratic party.
- Modesto summers peak around 94°F, noticeably warmer than Santa Ana’s 82°F. A move here means adapting to stronger heat with lifestyle and budget changes.
- In the coldest months, Modesto drops to 39°F—colder than Santa Ana, which only goes down to 47°F.
- You won’t have to adjust to new weather conditions when you move from Santa Ana to Modesto. Both spots see about the same amount of rain each year: 13 inches in Santa Ana and 13 inches in Modesto.
- Both Santa Ana and Modesto receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Crime rates are higher in Modesto, with an index of 65.76, compared to Santa Ana at 54.17.
Things to do in Modesto
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Modesto has something for everyone.
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 Santa Ana to Modesto?
Moving your furniture from Santa Ana to Modesto with a professional moving company usually ranges from $1,165 to $3,778. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $2,025 and $5,632. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $2,925 to $7,906 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Santa Ana to Modesto?
If you’re moving from Santa Ana to Modesto and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $718 to $1,753. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $1,396 and $2,505. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,775 to $3,412.
How much is a moving truck from Santa Ana to Modesto?
Want to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest bet. Just remember, you’ll be in charge of both the driving and the heavy lifting. To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve included average fuel costs in our pricing so you’re not caught off guard.
Renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move will typically set you back between $382 and $740. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $423 to $850. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Santa Ana to Modesto, rental prices generally fall between $509 and $998.
How far in advance should I book Santa Ana-to-Modesto movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Santa Ana to Modesto at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, it’s best to book your movers at least three months ahead. The sooner you reserve your Santa Ana-to-Modesto movers, the better the chance you’ll get affordable rates and secure the exact moving date you need. Some movers even offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Modesto?
If you want to save money on your move to Modesto, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May to September), when most people relocate and prices soar. By steering clear of the busy summer months, you’ll take advantage of lower demand and lower rates.
