($510+) Scottsdale, AZ to Modesto, CA Movers
Moving from Scottsdale, AZ, to Modesto, CA, runs anywhere from $510 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,120 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $1,463, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,120 or more.
- Moving containers run $992 - $3,261, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $510 - $1,267.
- 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 $2,231 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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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. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,231 - $5,706 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 45% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 75% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 693 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 6 days from pickup to delivery.
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 $1,463 - $4,202, container $992 - $1,869, rental truck $510 - $936, freight trailer $938 - $1,667.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,231 - $5,706, container $1,233 - $2,412, rental truck $556 - $1,057, freight trailer $1,008 - $1,990.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $3,860 - $8,120, container $1,755 - $3,261, rental truck $654 - $1,267, freight trailer $1,403 - $2,557.
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 Scottsdale, AZ to Modesto, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 693-mile move from Scottsdale, Arizona, to Modesto, California, with costs ranging from $1,463 - $8,120. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $343 - $2,284. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Scottsdale and Modesto. Local movers in Scottsdale typically start around $155 as a base rate plus $85/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Scottsdale to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,463 - $4,202
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,231 - $5,706
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,860 - $8,120
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.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Scottsdale, AZ to Modesto, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 66% of Scottsdale movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Modesto, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $571 - $5,710 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready66% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $228 - $1,370/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $343 - $2,741 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $1,142 - $3,426 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,855 - $11,420 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $855 - $1,625 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving Team Six LLC | $1,142 - $2,855 |
| Piano | Any piano type35% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: You Move Me | $914 - $3,997 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $343 - $1,713 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc. (AZ) | $742 - $2,284 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $343 - $17,130+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $343 - $3,997+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Scottsdale to Modesto?
California Moving & Storage Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in California, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers 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 Scottsdale, AZ. 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 Scottsdale, AZ to Modesto, CA
Moving containers from Scottsdale, Arizona, to Modesto, California, cost between $992 and $3,261. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Scottsdale typically runs around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Scottsdale to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $992 - $1,869
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,233 - $2,412
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,755 - $3,261
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $86 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $171 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $799 in Scottsdale, AZ, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Modesto, CA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $992. 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 $1,233 - $2,412.
What are the best moving containers Scottsdale to Modesto?
- 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 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:
- B Line Movers (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.2/5), 15 years in business
- Aardvark Movers Inc (4.5/5), 23 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Scottsdale, AZ to Modesto, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 693 miles from Scottsdale, Arizona, to Modesto, California, running $510 - $1,267. 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
- Scottsdale daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 Scottsdale to Modesto based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $510 - $936
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $556 - $1,057
- 4+ bedrooms: $654 - $1,267
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $510 - $1,267 does not include fuel ($252 - $288), lodging ($171/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Scottsdale to Modesto typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Scottsdale, Arizona, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $799.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $252 - $288 for the 693-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 $371, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $171 per night for hotel stops on the 693-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $343 - $514.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Scottsdale to Modesto?
- 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 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. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,008 and $1,990.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Scottsdale to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $938 - $1,667
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,008 - $1,990
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,403 - $2,557
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Scottsdale, Arizona, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $799.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $86 - $171 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Scottsdale to Modesto?
- 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.
- 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Modesto quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Modesto, CA
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Scottsdale and Modesto to plan around. Cost of living index: 113 vs. 116. Average rent: $3,300/mo vs. $1,800/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 32 vs. 48. Safety index: 74.2 vs. 34.24.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Modesto, CA to Scottsdale, AZ guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Arizona to California, 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 242 movers licensed in Arizona, useful context for sizing up this 693-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Scottsdale, AZ, to Modesto, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,463 for a studio to $8,120 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 693-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $992 - $3,261. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $510 - $1,267, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,231 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
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 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.
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.
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.
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.
Is Modesto a safe place to live?
Modesto has a safety index of 34.24 out of 100 and a crime index of 65.76, compared to 74.2 and 25.8 in Scottsdale. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Scottsdale movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 35% of movers in Scottsdale handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.