($591+) Modesto, CA to Seattle, WA Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Modesto, CA to Seattle, WA

The cost to move from Modesto, CA to Seattle, WA ranges from $1,210 to $7,879, with an average cost of $3,050. Moves can be as low as $591 if you're wanting to DIY it.

This move covers about 827 miles and usually takes 2 to 7 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 Seattle, WA

Moving options from Modesto to Seattle fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,210 - $7,879 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,050, 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 827 miles and typically takes 2 to 7 days depending on the service you pick.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 827-mile route from Modesto to Seattle, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,210 - $4,507 $1,198 - $2,145 $621 - $1,103 $1,016 - $1,968
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,394 - $5,940 $1,465 - $2,862 $684 - $1,405 $1,125 - $2,197
4+ bedrooms $4,390 - $7,879 $1,929 - $3,890 $815 - $1,590 $1,638 - $2,900

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 Modesto, CA to Seattle, WA

Full-service movers for the 827-mile relocation from Modesto, California, to Seattle, Washington, cost between $1,210 and $7,879. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $398 - $2,656, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Modesto typically charge a base rate around $314 plus $128 per hour, per mover.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,210 - $4,507
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,394 - $5,940
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,390 - $7,879

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 Seattle.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Washington. 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 Modesto, CA to Seattle, WA

Specialty needs vary by market — 79% of Modesto movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Seattle, 92% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$664 - $6,640
Storage in transitNew place not ready79% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Pete's Moving Services$266 - $1,594/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$398 - $3,187
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage21% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs14% of local movers$1,328 - $3,984
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$3,320 - $13,280
Car shippingSecond vehicle$995 - $1,890
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items36% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Grace Moving Company$1,328 - $3,320
PianoAny piano type71% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Grace Moving Company$1,062 - $4,648
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers$398 - $1,992
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect21% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: MidCal Moving and Storage Company$863 - $2,656
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$398 - $19,920+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$398 - $4,648+

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

Look for Washington Movers Conference membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Washington beyond this list.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Modesto, CA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.

Moving container costs from Modesto, CA to Seattle, WA

Moving containers from Modesto, California, to Seattle, Washington, cost between $1,198 and $3,890. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Modesto costs roughly $120/month if you need it.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,198 - $2,145
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,465 - $2,862
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,929 - $3,890

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Access: Most major container brands operate in both Modesto, CA and Seattle, WA. 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 $930 in Modesto, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $100 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $199 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 California to Washington 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 $1,198. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,465 - $2,862, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Modesto to Seattle?

  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 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 Seattle, WA

A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 827 miles from Modesto, California, to Seattle, Washington, running $621 - $1,590. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:

  • Fuel for the drive: $349 - $399
  • Daily insurance: $40/day
  • Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
  • Modesto daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.29
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 Modesto to Seattle based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $621 - $1,103
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $684 - $1,405
  • 4+ bedrooms: $815 - $1,590

Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Modesto to Seattle starts at $621 - $1,590, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($349 - $399) , overnight lodging ($199/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?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $349 - $399 for the 827-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Modesto, California, for about 5 hours typically costs around $930.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 827-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $199 per night, adding $398 - $598 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $66 and $398.

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

  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 Modesto, CA to Seattle, WA

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 Modesto, California, to Seattle, Washington. 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. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,125 and $2,197.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,016 - $1,968
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,125 - $2,197
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,638 - $2,900

Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.

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 $100 and $199.
  • 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 Modesto, California, for roughly five hours typically average $930.

What are the best freight companies from Modesto to Seattle?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Modesto to Seattle. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.

Cost of living: Modesto, CA vs Seattle, WA

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Seattle, side by side with Modesto on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Modesto, CA Seattle, WA
Cost of living index116158
Average rent$1,800/mo$1,975/mo
Median home value$415,024$911,938
Average income$77,899/yr$121,984/yr
Unemployment rate8.0%4.8%
State income taxUp to 13.3%None
Walkability score48/10074/100
Safety index34.24/10049.23/100
Air qualityModerateGood

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 Seattle, WA to Modesto, CA guide.

Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:

In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from California to Washington, 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 374 movers in California, so you have real options to compare for this 827-mile move.

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Our take

How you handle your interstate move from Modesto, CA, to Seattle, WA, 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 $1,210 - $7,879 on the 827-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,198 - $3,890 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $621 - $1,590 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,394 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.

Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Seattle tend to point to beautiful nature and ample economic opportunity, though high cost of living and rainy weather come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Amazon.com and Starbucks.

FAQs: Moving from Modesto, CA, to Seattle, WA

How do I know a mover is licensed in Washington?

Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies.

What is the best time of year to move from Modesto, CA to Seattle, WA?

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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

Is Seattle a safe place to live?

Seattle has a safety index of 49.23 out of 100 and a crime index of 58.88, compared to 34.24 and 65.76 in Modesto. 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 Modesto, CA to Seattle, WA?

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 $684 - $1,405. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

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.