($984+) San Antonio, TX to Modesto, CA Movers
Moving from San Antonio, TX, to Modesto, CA, runs anywhere from $984 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,144 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,662 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 $2,300, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,144 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,458 - $5,248, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $984 - $2,750.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from San Antonio, TX, to Modesto, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,217 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 San Antonio, TX to Modesto, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from San Antonio 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 $3,217 - $6,926. Containers cost roughly 45% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 67% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,662 miles, expect 4 to 15 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 1,662-mile route from San Antonio to Modesto, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,300 - $5,354 | $1,458 - $2,773 | $984 - $1,985 | $1,248 - $2,545 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,217 - $6,926 | $1,772 - $3,955 | $1,054 - $2,361 | $1,537 - $2,890 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,588 - $10,144 | $2,443 - $5,248 | $1,301 - $2,750 | $2,096 - $4,199 |
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 San Antonio, TX to Modesto, CA
For the 1,662-mile move from San Antonio, Texas, to Modesto, California, full-service movers cost between $2,300 and $10,144. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $303 - $2,020 (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 San Antonio generally start around $192 plus $96 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Antonio to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,300 - $5,354
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,217 - $6,926
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,588 - $10,144
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 San Antonio 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: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from San Antonio, TX to Modesto, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 72% of San Antonio 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 packing85% of local movers | $505 - $5,050 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready72% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: 3 Men Movers | $202 - $1,212/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $303 - $2,424 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage16% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers | $1,010 - $3,030 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,525 - $10,100 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $756 - $1,437 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items30% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Evolution Moving Company | $1,010 - $2,525 |
| Piano | Any piano type49% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: 3 Men Movers | $808 - $3,535 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling18% of local movers | $303 - $1,515 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationally | $657 - $2,020 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $303 - $15,150+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $303 - $3,535+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Antonio 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in San Antonio, TX. 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 San Antonio, TX to Modesto, CA
Moving containers from San Antonio, Texas, to Modesto, California, cost between $1,458 and $5,248. 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 San Antonio typically runs around $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Antonio to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,458 - $2,773
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,772 - $3,955
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,443 - $5,248
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 $707 in San Antonio, TX. 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 $76 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $152 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 Modesto, CA, destination before booking.
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 $1,458. 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 $1,772 - $3,955.
What are the best moving containers San Antonio 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio:
- 3 Men Movers (4.8/5), 41 years in business
- Evolution Moving Company (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- AB Moving (4.6/5), 26 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Antonio, TX to Modesto, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,662 miles from San Antonio, Texas, to Modesto, California, running $984 - $2,750. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $534 - $610
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- San Antonio daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.19
| 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 San Antonio to Modesto based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $984 - $1,985
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,054 - $2,361
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,301 - $2,750
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $984 - $2,750 does not include fuel ($534 - $610), lodging ($152/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from San Antonio 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?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $152 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 San Antonio, Texas, usually costs about $707 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,662-mile drive falls between $534 and $610, 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 $51 and $303 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Antonio 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 San Antonio, TX to Modesto, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from San Antonio, Texas, to Modesto, California. 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 $909 and $2,890.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Antonio to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,248 - $2,545
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,537 - $2,890
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,096 - $4,199
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In San Antonio, Texas, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $707.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $76 - $152 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 San Antonio to Modesto?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from San Antonio 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: San Antonio, TX vs Modesto, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Modesto, side by side with San Antonio on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Antonio, TX | Modesto, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 91 | 116 |
| Average rent | $1,496/mo | $1,800/mo |
| Median home value | $216,453 | $415,024 |
| Average income | $62,917/yr | $77,899/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.8% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 37/100 | 48/100 |
| Safety index | 51.94/100 | 34.24/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
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 Modesto, CA to San Antonio, 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 1,662-mile move.
Our take
A move from San Antonio, TX, to Modesto, CA, 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 $2,300 - $10,144 on the 1,662-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,458 - $5,248, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $984 - $2,750. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,217 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock 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 San Antonio, TX, to Modesto, CA
What do local movers charge in San Antonio?
Local movers based in San Antonio typically start around $192 as a base rate, plus $96/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 are some tips for saving money on a move from San Antonio, TX to Modesto, CA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
How much does it cost to move from San Antonio, TX to Modesto, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $984 to $10,144, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,300 and $10,144, 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.
How walkable is Modesto?
Modesto has a walkability score of 48 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 48, compared to 37 and 45 in San Antonio. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($534 - $610), daily insurance ($30/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $152/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of San Antonio movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 49% of movers in San Antonio handle piano moves, and 30% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.