($505+) Modesto, CA to Tempe, AZ Movers
The cost to move from Modesto, CA to Tempe, AZ ranges from $1,141 to $7,729, with an average cost of $2,700. Moves can be as low as $505 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 691 miles and usually takes 1 to 6 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Modesto, CA to Tempe, AZ
Moving options from Modesto to Tempe fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,141 - $7,729 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $2,700, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 37% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 75% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 691 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 691-mile route from Modesto to Tempe, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,141 - $3,914 | $1,022 - $1,759 | $491 - $927 | $956 - $1,568 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,122 - $5,761 | $1,337 - $2,564 | $535 - $1,046 | $1,050 - $2,072 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,783 - $7,729 | $1,668 - $3,393 | $647 - $1,401 | $1,362 - $2,662 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Modesto, CA to Tempe, AZ
For the 691-mile move from Modesto, California, to Tempe, Arizona, full-service movers cost between $1,141 and $7,729. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $344 - $2,296 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Modesto generally start around $314 plus $128 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Modesto to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,141 - $3,914
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,122 - $5,761
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,783 - $7,729
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Modesto to Tempe.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Modesto, CA to Tempe, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Modesto movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Tempe, 66% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing56% of local movers | $574 - $5,740 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Grace Moving Company | $230 - $1,378/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $344 - $2,755 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs46% of local movers | $1,148 - $3,444 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,870 - $11,480 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $860 - $1,634 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items13% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Brewer Moving LLC | $1,148 - $2,870 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Pete's Moving Services | $918 - $4,018 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $344 - $1,722 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $746 - $2,296 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $344 - $17,220+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $344 - $4,018+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Modesto to Tempe?
Look for Arizona Moving Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Arizona beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Modesto, CA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Modesto, CA to Tempe, AZ
Moving containers from Modesto, California, to Tempe, Arizona, cost between $1,022 and $3,393. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Modesto typically costs about $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Modesto to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,022 - $1,759
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,337 - $2,564
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,668 - $3,393
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $804 in Modesto, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $86 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $172 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Tempe, AZ, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Arizona move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,022. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,337 - $2,564.
What are the best moving containers Modesto to Tempe?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Modesto to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Modesto:
- Big Island Movers (4.8/5), 14 years in business
- Brewer Moving LLC (4.9/5), 11 years in business
- Lunardi Moving (4.8/5), 12 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Modesto, CA to Tempe, AZ
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 691 miles from Modesto, California, to Tempe, Arizona, running $491 - $1,401. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $252 - $288
- Daily insurance: $34/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Modesto daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.29
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Modesto to Tempe based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $491 - $927
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $535 - $1,046
- 4+ bedrooms: $647 - $1,401
Pro tip: The base rate of $491 - $1,401 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Modesto to Tempe. Fuel ($252 - $288), lodging at around $172/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Modesto, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $804.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $252 - $288 for the 691-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $69 and $373, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $172 per night for hotel stops on the 691-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $344 - $517.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Modesto to Tempe?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Modesto, CA to Tempe, AZ
If you're moving a larger household from Modesto, California, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Tempe, Arizona.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,050 and $2,072.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Modesto to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $956 - $1,568
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,050 - $2,072
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,362 - $2,662
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $86 - $172 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Modesto, California, typically costs $804.
What are the best freight companies from Modesto to Tempe?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Modesto to Tempe, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Modesto, CA vs Tempe, AZ
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Modesto and Tempe to plan around. Cost of living index: 116 vs. 113. Average rent: $1,800/mo vs. $1,834/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 48 vs. 54. Safety index: 34.24 vs. 57.64.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tempe, AZ to Modesto, CA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from California to Arizona, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 1,154 movers licensed in California, useful context for sizing up this 691-mile move.
Our take
The 691-mile move from Modesto, CA, to Tempe, AZ, costs between $1,141 and $7,729 with full-service movers, $1,022 - $3,393 with a moving container, and $491 - $1,401 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,122 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Amkor Technology, Inc. and Benchmark Electronics.
FAQs: Moving from Modesto, CA, to Tempe, AZ
What is the cheapest way to move from Modesto, CA to Tempe, AZ?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $535 - $1,046. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Modesto, CA to Tempe, AZ?
Costs on this route range from around $505 to $7,729, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,141 and $7,729, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Modesto?
Local movers based in Modesto typically start around $314 as a base rate, plus $128/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Tempe run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Arizona?
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.
What percentage of Modesto movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 40% of movers in Modesto handle piano moves, and 13% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.