($1,508+) Newark, NJ to Modesto, CA Movers
Moving from Newark, NJ, to Modesto, CA, runs anywhere from $1,508 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,745 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,877 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 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 $2,479, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,745 or more.
- Moving containers run $2,027 - $7,366, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,508 - $4,234.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Newark, NJ, to Modesto, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,624 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 Newark, NJ to Modesto, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Newark 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 $3,624 - $7,656. Containers cost roughly 29% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 55% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 2,877 miles, expect 7 to 21 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 2,877-mile route from Newark to Modesto, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,479 - $5,807 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($2,027 - $3,947), rental truck ($1,508 - $2,958), or freight trailer ($1,771 - $3,349). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,624 - $7,656 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $11,745.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Newark, NJ to Modesto, CA
Full-service movers for the 2,877-mile relocation from Newark, New Jersey, to Modesto, California, cost between $2,479 and $11,745. 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 $382 - $2,548, 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 Newark typically charge a base rate around $260 plus $120 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Newark to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,479 - $5,807
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,624 - $7,656
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,748 - $11,745
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 Newark to Modesto.
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 Newark, NJ to Modesto, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 62% of Newark movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Modesto, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing72% of local movers | $637 - $6,370 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready62% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $255 - $1,529/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $382 - $3,058 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs47% of local movers | $1,274 - $3,822 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,185 - $12,740 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $954 - $1,813 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $1,274 - $3,185 |
| Piano | Any piano type39% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $1,019 - $4,459 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $382 - $1,911 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect3% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (NJ) | $828 - $2,548 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $382 - $19,110+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $382 - $4,459+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Newark to Modesto?
Look for California Moving & Storage Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in California beyond this list.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Newark, NJ. 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 Newark, NJ to Modesto, CA
Moving containers from Newark, New Jersey, to Modesto, California, cost between $2,027 and $7,366. 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 Newark costs roughly $130/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Newark to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,027 - $3,947
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,579 - $5,501
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,316 - $7,366
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $96 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $191 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Modesto, CA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $892 in Newark, NJ. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a New Jersey 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 $2,027. 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 $2,579 - $5,501.
What are the best moving containers Newark 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 Newark 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 Newark:
- Piece of Cake Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- Moishe's Moving Systems (4.5/5), 33 years in business
- Big G Movers Inc (4.9/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Newark, NJ to Modesto, CA
Truck rentals from Newark, New Jersey, to Modesto, California, range from $1,508 - $4,234 for the 2,877-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,166 - $1,333
- Daily insurance: $38/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $25
- Newark daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $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 Newark to Modesto based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,508 - $2,958
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,617 - $3,812
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,239 - $4,234
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,508 - $4,234 does not include fuel ($1,166 - $1,333), lodging ($191/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Newark 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 Newark, New Jersey, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $892.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $1,166 - $1,333 for the 2,877-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 $76 and $414, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $191 per night for hotel stops on the 2,877-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $382 - $573.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Newark 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 Newark, NJ to Modesto, CA
For larger DIY moves from Newark, New Jersey, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Modesto, California.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $2,063 and $4,104.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Newark to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,771 - $3,349
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,063 - $4,104
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,904 - $5,893
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 Newark, New Jersey, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $892.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $96 and $191 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Newark 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: 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: Newark, NJ 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 Newark on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Newark, NJ | Modesto, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 135 | 116 |
| Average rent | $2,300/mo | $1,800/mo |
| Median home value | $335,418 | $415,024 |
| Average income | $48,416/yr | $77,899/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 13.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 10.7% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 76/100 | 48/100 |
| Safety index | 24.76/100 | 34.24/100 |
| Air quality | Good | 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 Newark, NJ guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from New Jersey to California 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 315 movers in our New Jersey network to compare for this 2,877-mile move.
Our take
A move from Newark, NJ, 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 $2,479 - $11,745 on the 2,877-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $2,027 - $7,366, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,508 - $4,234. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,624 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 Newark, NJ, to Modesto, CA
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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
How much does it cost to move from Newark, NJ to Modesto, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,508 to $11,745, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,479 and $11,745, 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 Newark, NJ 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 $1,617 - $3,812. 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 ($1,166 - $1,333), daily insurance ($38/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $25) on top. Overnight stops can add another $191/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Newark, NJ to Modesto, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 7 to 21 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 percentage of Newark movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 39% of movers in Newark handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.