($496+) Tempe, AZ to Modesto, CA Movers
Moving from Tempe, AZ, to Modesto, CA, runs anywhere from $496 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,807 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 691 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 $1,433, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,807 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,062 - $3,426, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $496 - $1,374.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tempe, AZ, to Modesto, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,100 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Tempe, AZ to Modesto, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Tempe to Modesto: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,100 - $5,597. Containers cost roughly 36% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 73% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 691 miles, expect 1 to 6 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 691-mile route from Tempe to Modesto, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,433 - $4,120 | $1,062 - $1,906 | $496 - $890 | $883 - $1,700 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,100 - $5,597 | $1,350 - $2,412 | $561 - $1,112 | $1,050 - $1,970 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,745 - $7,807 | $1,650 - $3,426 | $674 - $1,374 | $1,334 - $2,715 |
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 Tempe, AZ to Modesto, CA
For the 691-mile move from Tempe, Arizona, to Modesto, California, full-service movers cost between $1,433 and $7,807. 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 Tempe generally start around $200 plus $85 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tempe to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,433 - $4,120
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,100 - $5,597
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,745 - $7,807
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 Tempe to Modesto.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Tempe, AZ to Modesto, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 66% of Tempe 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: Get Your Move On | $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 Tempe to Modesto?
All three below meet the standards set by the California Moving & Storage Association, the group most California movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Tempe, AZ. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Tempe, AZ to Modesto, CA
Moving containers from Tempe, Arizona, to Modesto, California, cost between $1,062 and $3,426. 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 Tempe typically costs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tempe to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,062 - $1,906
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,350 - $2,412
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,650 - $3,426
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Tempe, AZ and Modesto, CA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $799 in Tempe, AZ, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $86 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $171 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
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 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 $1,350 - $2,412.
What are the best moving containers Tempe 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 Tempe 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 Tempe:
- 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 Tempe, AZ to Modesto, CA
Plan on $496 - $1,374 for a rental moving truck on the 691-mile route from Tempe, Arizona, to Modesto, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $251 - $287
- Daily insurance: $34/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Tempe 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 Tempe to Modesto based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $496 - $890
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $561 - $1,112
- 4+ bedrooms: $674 - $1,374
Pro tip: The base rate of $496 - $1,374 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Tempe to Modesto. Fuel ($251 - $287), lodging at around $171/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?
- 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 Tempe, Arizona, usually costs about $799 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 691-mile drive falls between $251 and $287, 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 Tempe 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 Tempe, AZ to Modesto, CA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Tempe, 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 $1,050 and $1,970.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tempe to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $883 - $1,700
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,050 - $1,970
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,334 - $2,715
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Tempe, 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 Tempe 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: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Tempe, AZ vs Modesto, CA
Tempe and Modesto land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 113 in Tempe and 116 in Modesto, and average rent is $1,834/mo vs. $1,800/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 54 vs 48 and safety scores are 57.64 vs 34.24.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Modesto, CA to Tempe, AZ guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Arizona to California over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 242 movers in our Arizona network to compare for this 691-mile move.
Our take
The 691-mile move from Tempe, AZ, to Modesto, CA, costs between $1,433 and $7,807 with full-service movers, $1,062 - $3,426 with a moving container, and $496 - $1,374 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 $2,100 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 Save Mart Supermarkets and Sutter Central Valley Hospitals.
FAQs: Moving from Tempe, AZ, to Modesto, CA
What is the best time of year to move from Tempe, 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 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($251 - $287), 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 walkable is Modesto?
Modesto has a walkability score of 48 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 48, compared to 54 and 75 in Tempe. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Tempe, AZ to Modesto, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $496 to $7,807, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,433 and $7,807, 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 percentage of Tempe movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 35% of movers in Tempe handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.