Modesto, CA to Phoenix, AZ Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Modesto to Phoenix typically costs $2,600–$6,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 684 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Modesto to Phoenix
Moving from Modesto, CA to Phoenix, AZ typically costs $2,600–$6,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 684-mile move from Modesto to Phoenix, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $2,644 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $2,144 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $2,039 for a 3 bedroom using a moving container.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 09, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 31, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 29, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 29, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 12, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 03, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 31, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 30, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 08, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 04, 2025
Major factors affecting moving costs from Modesto to Phoenix
Your total cost will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Modesto to Phoenix might be as low as $1,700, while a four-bedroom could reach $8,800.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Modesto.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $600 to $1,500 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Phoenix, AZ to Modesto, CA guide.
Best Modesto to Phoenix movers by type
Professional
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Modesto to Phoenix
When it comes to handling your interstate move from Modesto to Phoenix, entrusting professionals with the details is often the best decision. Full-service movers are equipped to manage everything, allowing you to concentrate on settling into your new place.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best CA→AZ movers
moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 372 California movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
- Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
- Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
- Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Modesto to Phoenix
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Phoenix runs about 2% higher for singles and -12% higher for families than Modesto.
Singles spend around $2,369 in Phoenix versus $2,312 in Modesto; families pay $5,226 compared with $5,946.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Modesto | Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,446 | $1,664 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,467 | $2,634 |
| Average home value | $442,362 | $411,139 |
| Average income (per capita) | $67,011 | $64,552 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,312 | $2,369 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,946 | $5,226 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.88% | 8.6% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 2.5% |
- Good news! When moving to Phoenix from Modesto, you'll benefit from rent being an estimated 6% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 7% cheaper in Phoenix, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Phoenix and Modesto, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
- With the cost of living for a single person differing by less than 5% between Phoenix and Modesto, expect similar day-to-day expenses.
- Relocating to Phoenix could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 12% lower than in Modesto.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 18% lower than Modesto, Phoenix boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are effectively the same in Phoenix and Modesto (within a 5% range), allowing you to focus on other financial aspects when moving.
- Income taxes are 81% lower in Arizona than in California. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Modesto and Phoenix, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Modesto | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $256.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $75.22 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.67 | $4.75 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.61 | $4.18 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $41.33 | $34.08 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Modesto than in Phoenix, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Modesto than in Phoenix.
- Eggs cost more in Modesto than in Phoenix.
- Bread costs less in Modesto than in Phoenix.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Modesto than in Phoenix.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships cost more in Modesto than in Phoenix.
How life is different in Modesto vs. Phoenix
| Modesto | Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 1,608,139 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 48 | 41 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 56 |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 53.06 |
| Safety index | 34.24 | 46.94 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- Phoenix's population is about 636% greater than Modesto.
- Phoenix's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Modesto's score of 5.
- Phoenix is less walkable than Modesto with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Modesto's 48 out of 100.
- With a score of 56 out of 100, Phoenix is more bike-friendly than Modesto, which has a score of 48 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Phoenix's crime rate is lower than Modesto with a score of 53.06 compared to Modesto's 65.76. This means that Phoenix neighborhoods are safer than 53.06% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Modesto neighborhoods are safer than 65.76%.
- Phoenix is considered to be safer than Modesto with a safety index of 46.94 vs Modesto's 34.24.
- Air quality in Phoenix is Moderate, and in Modesto it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Modesto to Phoenix move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: Though Arizona is largely an “unregulated” state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Arizona moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Arizona, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Phoenix without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness—offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Phoenix
Ready to relocate to Arizona's Urban Heart? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Phoenix.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Camelback East
- Encanto
- Estrella Village
- North Gateway
- South Mountain
Best neighborhoods for families
- Arcadia/Biltmore
- Ahwatukee
- Coronado
- Gilbert
- Paradise Valley
- Scottsdale
Things to do in Phoenix
Now that you've made the move to Arizona, it's the perfect time to explore Phoenix. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Phoenix include museums and art centers like the Musical Instrument Museum, Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, and Children’s Museum of Phoenix.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Encanto Park, Freestone Park, Tempe Beach Park, and Desert Breeze Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Arizona Cardinals (NFL)Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)Phoenix Suns (NBA)Arizona Coyotes (NHL)Phoenix Mercury (WNBA)Arizona Rattlers (IFL)Phoenix Rising FC (USLC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Phoenix?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Modesto to Phoenix. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Modesto.
When is the cheapest time to move from Modesto to Phoenix?
With many people choosing to move from Modesto to Phoenix in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Modesto to Phoenix take?
Covering 684 miles, the move from Modesto, CA to Phoenix, AZ typically takes one to six days. Some Modesto movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Phoenix can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Modesto can handle specialty items for my move to Phoenix?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Modesto, 10 movers can handle pianos. 5 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of CA, there are 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
