($947+) Austin, TX to Modesto, CA Movers
Moving from Austin, TX, to Modesto, CA, runs anywhere from $947 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,223 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,689 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 4 to 15 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 $2,195, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,223 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,383 - $4,884, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $947 - $2,898.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Austin, TX, to Modesto, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,240 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 Austin, TX to Modesto, CA
Moving options from Austin to Modesto fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,240 - $6,820 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 42% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 67% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,689-mile route typically takes 4 to 15 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,689-mile route from Austin to Modesto, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,195 - $5,418 | $1,383 - $2,878 | $947 - $1,915 | $1,375 - $2,516 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,240 - $6,820 | $1,880 - $3,796 | $1,067 - $2,187 | $1,579 - $3,160 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,869 - $10,223 | $2,616 - $4,884 | $1,318 - $2,898 | $2,133 - $4,236 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Austin, TX to Modesto, CA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,689-mile move from Austin, Texas, to Modesto, California, with prices running from $2,195 - $10,223. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $371 - $2,476 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Austin and Modesto are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Austin movers tend to run around $191 as a base rate plus $90/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Austin to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,195 - $5,418
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,240 - $6,820
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,869 - $10,223
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 Austin to Modesto.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Texas to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Austin, TX to Modesto, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of Austin movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Modesto, 63% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing81% of local movers | $619 - $6,190 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready63% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Square Cow | $248 - $1,486/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $371 - $2,971 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage11% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs69% of local movers | $1,238 - $3,714 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,095 - $12,380 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $927 - $1,762 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items35% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage | $1,238 - $3,095 |
| Piano | Any piano type45% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: 3 Men Movers | $990 - $4,333 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling15% of local movers | $371 - $1,857 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $805 - $2,476 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $371 - $18,570+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $371 - $4,333+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Austin 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Austin, TX. 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 Austin, TX to Modesto, CA
Moving containers from Austin, Texas, to Modesto, California, cost between $1,383 and $4,884. 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 Austin typically costs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Austin to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,383 - $2,878
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,880 - $3,796
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,616 - $4,884
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $93 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $186 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 $867 in Austin, TX, 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 Texas 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 $1,383. 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 $1,880 - $3,796.
What are the best moving containers Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin:
- Square Cow (4.8/5), 18 years in business
- 3 Men Movers (4.9/5), 41 years in business
- Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 24 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Austin, TX to Modesto, CA
A rental truck for this 1,689-mile move from Austin, Texas, to Modesto, California, costs between $947 and $2,898. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $665 - $760
- Daily insurance: $37/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $25
- Austin daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| 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 Austin to Modesto based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $947 - $1,915
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,067 - $2,187
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,318 - $2,898
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $947 - $2,898 does not include fuel ($665 - $760), lodging ($186/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Austin 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 Austin, Texas, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $867.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $665 - $760 for the 1,689-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 $74 and $402, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $186 per night for hotel stops on the 1,689-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $371 - $557.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Austin 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 Austin, TX to Modesto, CA
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Austin, Texas, to Modesto, California. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,579 and $3,160.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Austin to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,375 - $2,516
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,579 - $3,160
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,133 - $4,236
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 trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $93 - $186 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 Austin, Texas, typically costs $867.
What are the best freight companies from Austin to Modesto?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Austin 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: Austin, TX vs Modesto, CA
Austin and Modesto land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 129 in Austin and 116 in Modesto, and average rent is $1,765/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 42 vs 48 and safety scores are 59.87 vs 34.24.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Modesto, CA to Austin, TX guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Texas 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 803 movers licensed in Texas, useful context for sizing up this 1,689-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Austin, TX, to Modesto, CA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,195 - $10,223 on the 1,689-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,383 - $4,884 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $947 - $2,898 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,240 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Save Mart Supermarkets and Sutter Central Valley Hospitals.
FAQs: Moving from Austin, TX, to Modesto, CA
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 59.87 and 42.91 in Austin. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Austin, TX 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 $1,067 - $2,187. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Modesto?
For families, Del Rio, Dutch Hollow, and La Loma are worth a look in Modesto. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown Modesto, College Area, and McHenry Village tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Austin, TX to Modesto, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 4 to 15 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 do local movers charge in Austin?
Local movers based in Austin typically start around $191 as a base rate, plus $90/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 Modesto run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Austin movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 45% of movers in Austin handle piano moves, and 35% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.