($1,083+) San Antonio, TX to Modesto, CA Movers
Moving from San Antonio, TX, to Modesto, CA, runs anywhere from $1,083 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,418 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $2,457, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,418 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,467 - $5,338, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,083 - $2,852.
- 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 $3,370 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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 handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $3,370 - $6,965. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 4 to 15 days for this 1,662-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
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 | $2,457 - $5,339 | $1,467 - $2,820 | $1,083 - $1,881 | $1,334 - $2,589 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,370 - $6,965 | $2,013 - $4,024 | $1,149 - $2,426 | $1,594 - $3,283 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,796 - $10,418 | $2,559 - $5,338 | $1,363 - $2,852 | $2,068 - $4,399 |
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 San Antonio, TX to Modesto, CA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,662-mile move from San Antonio, Texas, to Modesto, California, with prices running from $2,457 - $10,418. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $303 - $2,020 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between San Antonio and Modesto are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, San Antonio movers tend to run around $192 as a base rate plus $96/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Antonio to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,457 - $5,339
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,370 - $6,965
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,796 - $10,418
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: 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.
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 San Antonio, TX to Modesto, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 90% of San Antonio movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Modesto, 79% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $505 - $5,050 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready90% of local movers85% 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 coverage26% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs48% 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 items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Swift Movers LLC | $1,010 - $2,525 |
| Piano | Any piano type65% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: 3 Men Movers | $808 - $3,535 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling45% of local movers | $303 - $1,515 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect26% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Swift Movers LLC | $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?
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 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 $1,467 and $5,338. 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 San Antonio costs roughly $70/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Antonio to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,467 - $2,820
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,013 - $4,024
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,559 - $5,338
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In San Antonio, TX, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $707, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $76 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $152 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both San Antonio, TX, and Modesto, CA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
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 $1,467. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,013 - $4,024, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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
- Swift Movers LLC (4.8/5), 15 years in business
- AB Moving (4.6/5), 26 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Antonio, TX to Modesto, CA
Plan on $1,083 - $2,852 for a rental moving truck on the 1,662-mile route from San Antonio, Texas, to Modesto, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- 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: $1,083 - $1,881
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,149 - $2,426
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,363 - $2,852
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,083 - $2,852 when pricing out a rental truck from San Antonio to Modesto. Fuel alone runs ($534 - $610) , and overnight lodging ($152/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $534 - $610 for the 1,662-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 San Antonio, Texas, for about 5 hours typically costs around $707.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,662-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $152 per night, adding $303 - $455 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $51 and $303.
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 $3,283.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Antonio to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,334 - $2,589
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,594 - $3,283
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,068 - $4,399
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $76 - $152 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in San Antonio, Texas, for about five hours typically runs $707.
What are the best freight companies from San Antonio 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.
- Parkway Transport, Inc. (4.76/5 stars): Parkway Transport, Inc. 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 are a great option when you need your belongings in Modesto fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
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 book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Texas to California in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 289 movers based in Texas, handy for sizing up options on this 1,662-mile route.
Our take
For a move from San Antonio, TX, to Modesto, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,457 for a studio to $10,418 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,662-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,467 - $5,338. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,083 - $2,852, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,370 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live 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 San Antonio, TX, to Modesto, CA
How much does it cost to move from San Antonio, TX to Modesto, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $2,457 to $10,418, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,457 and $10,418, 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 is the cheapest way to move from San Antonio, 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 $1,149 - $2,426. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
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.
How long does a move from San Antonio, TX to Modesto, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 is the best time of year to move from San Antonio, TX 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.
What percentage of San Antonio movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 65% of movers in San Antonio handle piano moves, and 42% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.