($1,062+) Modesto, CA to Dallas, TX Movers
The cost to move from Modesto, CA to Dallas, TX ranges from $1,372 to $10,627, with an average cost of $3,850. Moves can be as low as $1,062 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,652 miles and usually takes 4 to 15 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
Compare moving options from Modesto, CA to Dallas, TX
Moving options from Modesto to Dallas fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,372 - $10,627 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,850, and movers handle 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 particular route covers 1,652 miles and typically takes 4 to 15 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,652-mile route from Modesto to Dallas, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,372 - $5,662 | $1,528 - $2,906 | $1,011 - $1,960 | $1,321 - $2,692 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,176 - $7,328 | $1,876 - $4,063 | $1,060 - $2,262 | $1,610 - $3,187 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,796 - $10,627 | $2,772 - $5,498 | $1,335 - $2,795 | $2,218 - $4,228 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Modesto, CA to Dallas, TX
Hiring full-service movers from Modesto, California, to Dallas, Texas, costs between $1,372 and $10,627. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,652-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $329 - $2,192, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Modesto and Dallas. For a rough baseline, movers based in Modesto tend to start around $314 plus $128/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Modesto to Dallas:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,372 - $5,662
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,176 - $7,328
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,796 - $10,627
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 Dallas.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Texas. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Modesto, CA to Dallas, TX
Specialty needs vary by market — 79% of Modesto movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Dallas, 94% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $548 - $5,480 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready79% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Pete's Moving Services | $219 - $1,315/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $329 - $2,630 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage21% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs14% of local movers | $1,096 - $3,288 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,740 - $10,960 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $821 - $1,560 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items36% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Grace Moving Company | $1,096 - $2,740 |
| Piano | Any piano type71% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Grace Moving Company | $877 - $3,836 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $329 - $1,644 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect21% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: MidCal Moving and Storage Company | $712 - $2,192 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $329 - $16,440+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $329 - $3,836+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Modesto to Dallas?
Movers licensed to operate in Texas are typically members of the Southwest Movers Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Modesto, CA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Modesto, CA to Dallas, TX
Moving containers from Modesto, California, to Dallas, Texas, cost between $1,528 and $5,498. 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 Dallas:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,528 - $2,906
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,876 - $4,063
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,772 - $5,498
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 $767 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 $82 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $164 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 Dallas, TX, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Texas 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 $1,528. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,876 - $4,063, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Modesto to Dallas?
- 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:
- Brewer Moving LLC (4.9/5), 11 years in business
- MidCal Moving and Storage Company (4.6/5), 170 years in business
- Pack it up Movers (4.9/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Modesto, CA to Dallas, TX
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,652 miles from Modesto, California, to Dallas, Texas, running $1,011 - $2,795. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $576 - $658
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- 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 Dallas based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,011 - $1,960
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,060 - $2,262
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,335 - $2,795
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Modesto to Dallas starts at $1,011 - $2,795, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($576 - $658) , overnight lodging ($164/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
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 $767.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $576 - $658 for the 1,652-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 $66 and $356, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $164 per night for hotel stops on the 1,652-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $329 - $493.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Modesto to Dallas?
- 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 Dallas, TX
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Modesto, California, to Dallas, Texas. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $986 and $3,187.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Modesto to Dallas:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,321 - $2,692
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,610 - $3,187
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,218 - $4,228
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Modesto, California, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $767.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $82 and $164 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Modesto to Dallas?
- 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.
- Speed Intermodal (4.7/5 stars): Speed Intermodal is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Modesto to Dallas, 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 Dallas, TX
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Dallas, side by side with Modesto on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Modesto, CA | Dallas, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 116 | 100 |
| Average rent | $1,800/mo | $1,774/mo |
| Median home value | $415,024 | $303,018 |
| Average income | $77,899/yr | $67,760/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 3.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | None |
| Walkability score | 48/100 | 46/100 |
| Safety index | 34.24/100 | 48.6/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Dallas, TX to Modesto, CA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from California to Texas 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 374 movers in our California network to compare for this 1,652-mile move.
Our take
A move from Modesto, CA, to Dallas, TX, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,372 - $10,627 on the 1,652-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,528 - $5,498, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,011 - $2,795. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,176 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Dallas tend to point to ample economic opportunity and fabulous weather, though high housing costs and terrible traffic come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and American Airlines Group, Inc..
FAQs: Moving from Modesto, CA, to Dallas, TX
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 3 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 Dallas run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Texas?
In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers.
What are the best neighborhoods in Dallas?
For families, Preston Hollow, Lake Highlands, and Uptown are worth a look in Dallas. If you're moving solo or without kids, Bishop Arts District, Deep Ellum, and Design District tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Dallas?
Dallas has a walkability score of 46 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 49, compared to 48 and 48 in Modesto. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Modesto movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 71% of movers in Modesto handle piano moves, and 36% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.