($552+) Scottsdale, AZ to Modesto, CA Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Scottsdale, AZ to Modesto, CA

Moving from Scottsdale, AZ, to Modesto, CA, runs anywhere from $510 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,609 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 693 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.

  • Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,584, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,609 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,062 - $3,632, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $510 - $1,442.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Scottsdale, AZ, to Modesto, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,412 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Scottsdale, AZ to Modesto, CA

Moving options from Scottsdale to Modesto fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,412 - $5,817 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 693-mile route typically takes 1 to 6 days door to door.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 693-mile route from Scottsdale to Modesto, broken down by home size:

  • Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,584 - $4,149, container $1,062 - $1,846, rental truck $510 - $944, freight trailer $1,014 - $1,837.
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,412 - $5,817, container $1,376 - $2,773, rental truck $572 - $1,203, freight trailer $1,091 - $2,067.
  • 4+ bedrooms: full-service $3,971 - $8,609, container $1,768 - $3,632, rental truck $743 - $1,442, freight trailer $1,547 - $2,795.

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Scottsdale, AZ to Modesto, CA

For the 693-mile move from Scottsdale, Arizona, to Modesto, California, full-service movers cost between $1,584 and $8,609. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $343 - $2,284 (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 Scottsdale generally start around $155 plus $85 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Scottsdale to Modesto:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,584 - $4,149
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,412 - $5,817
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,971 - $8,609

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 Scottsdale to Modesto.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Arizona to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

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 Scottsdale, AZ to Modesto, CA

Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Scottsdale movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Modesto, 79% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing98% of local movers$571 - $5,710
Storage in transitNew place not ready85% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Camelback Moving$228 - $1,370/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$343 - $2,741
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage38% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers$1,142 - $3,426
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,855 - $11,420
Car shippingSecond vehicle$855 - $1,625
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Gilbert Moving & Storage$1,142 - $2,855
PianoAny piano type77% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage$914 - $3,997
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling30% of local movers$343 - $1,713
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect30% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage$742 - $2,284
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$343 - $17,130+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$343 - $3,997+

What are the best full-service movers from Scottsdale to Modesto?

If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in California Moving & Storage Association is a good first thing to confirm.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Scottsdale, AZ. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.

Moving container costs from Scottsdale, AZ to Modesto, CA

Moving containers from Scottsdale, Arizona, to Modesto, California, cost between $1,062 and $3,632. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Scottsdale runs about $90/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Scottsdale to Modesto:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,062 - $1,846
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,376 - $2,773
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,768 - $3,632

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 $799 in Scottsdale, AZ. 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 $171 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 Modesto, CA, destination before booking.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Arizona to California 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 $1,062. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,376 - $2,773, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Scottsdale to Modesto?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale:

  • Camelback Moving (4.8/5), 21 years in business
  • Gilbert Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 9 years in business
  • Mentors Moving & Storage (4.7/5), 9 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Scottsdale, AZ to Modesto, CA

A rental truck for this 693-mile move from Scottsdale, Arizona, to Modesto, California, costs between $510 and $1,442. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:

  • Fuel for the drive: $252 - $288
  • Daily insurance: $34/day
  • Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
  • Scottsdale daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Scottsdale to Modesto based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $510 - $944
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $572 - $1,203
  • 4+ bedrooms: $743 - $1,442

Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $510 - $1,442 when pricing out a rental truck from Scottsdale to Modesto. Fuel alone runs ($252 - $288) , and overnight lodging ($171/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
  • Lodging: Budget around $171 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
  • Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Scottsdale, Arizona, usually costs about $799 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
  • Gas: Fuel for the 693-mile drive falls between $252 and $288, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $57 and $343 to your total.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Scottsdale to Modesto?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Scottsdale, AZ to Modesto, CA

Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Scottsdale, Arizona, to Modesto, California, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.

What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,091 and $2,067.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Scottsdale to Modesto:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,014 - $1,837
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,091 - $2,067
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,547 - $2,795

Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $86 and $171.
  • Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
  • Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Scottsdale, Arizona, for roughly five hours typically average $799.

What are the best freight companies from Scottsdale to Modesto?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
  3. Empire Transport (4.84/5 stars): Empire Transport is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.

Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Scottsdale to Modesto, 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: Scottsdale, AZ vs Modesto, CA

Day-to-day costs in Modesto are close to what you're used to in Scottsdale: cost of living index of 116 versus 113, with average rent of $1,800/mo compared to $3,300/mo. Housing, income, and taxes are all in a similar range, so budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores are close too, at 32/100 and 74.2/100 in Scottsdale versus 48/100 and 34.24/100 in Modesto.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Modesto, CA to Scottsdale, AZ guide.

Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:

In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Arizona to California, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 97 movers in Arizona, so you have real options to compare for this 693-mile move.

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Our take

Full-service movers on the 693-mile route from Scottsdale, AZ, to Modesto, CA, run $1,584 - $8,609 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,062 - $3,632, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $510 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,412, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Save Mart Supermarkets and Sutter Central Valley Hospitals.

FAQs: Moving from Scottsdale, AZ, to Modesto, CA

What are some tips for saving money on a move from Scottsdale, AZ to Modesto, CA?

Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.

What is the best time of year to move from Scottsdale, AZ to Modesto, CA?

Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.

How long does a move from Scottsdale, AZ to Modesto, CA take?

Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($252 - $288), daily insurance ($34/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $23) on top. Overnight stops can add another $171/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

What is the cheapest way to move from Scottsdale, AZ to Modesto, CA?

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 $572 - $1,203. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

What percentage of Scottsdale movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 77% of movers in Scottsdale handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.