Modesto, CA to San Antonio, TX Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Modesto to San Antonio typically costs $3,500–$7,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,663 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
 rating
4.2 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from Modesto to San Antonio
Moving from Modesto, CA to San Antonio, TX typically costs $3,500–$7,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,663-mile move from Modesto to San Antonio, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2-3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- PODS recently quoted $2,352 for a 1 bedroom (small) using a moving container.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $3,931 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $6,721 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 23, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 21, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 19, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 17, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 14, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Dec 18, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 17, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 15, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 15, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 15, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Modesto to San Antonio move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,500 for a one-bedroom, or up to $10,700 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Modesto.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $1,100 to $3,100, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from San Antonio, TX to Modesto, CA guide.
Best Modesto to San Antonio movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Modesto to San Antonio
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Modesto to San Antonio much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best CA→TX movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 372 California movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Modesto to San Antonio
Many movers find San Antonio easier on the wallet than Modesto - roughly 5% less for singles and 17% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,194 for one person in San Antonio versus $2,312 in Modesto. For a family of four, it's $4,931 compared with $5,946.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Modesto | San Antonio | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,446 | $1,471 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,467 | $2,533 |
| Average home value | $442,362 | $249,398 |
| Average income (per capita) | $67,011 | $62,451 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,312 | $2,194 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,946 | $4,931 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 3.8% |
| Sales tax | 8.88% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- When relocating from Modesto to San Antonio, expect to find rent about 17% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 44% more affordable in San Antonio compared to Modesto.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 7% lower in San Antonio compared to Modesto.
- Since the cost of living for a single person in both San Antonio and Modesto is within a 5% difference, your expenses will be quite similar.
- A move to San Antonio can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 17% less than what it costs in Modesto.
- The unemployment rate in San Antonio is about 53% lower than in Modesto. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes are 7% less in San Antonio relative to Modesto. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Texas has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Modesto and San Antonio:
| Living Expense | Modesto | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $208.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $58.64 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.67 | $3.65 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.61 | $3.01 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $19.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $70.00 |
| Gym membership | $41.33 | $42.93 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Modesto than in San Antonio.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Modesto than in San Antonio.
- Eggs cost more in Modesto than in San Antonio.
- Bread is more expensive in Modesto than in San Antonio.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Modesto than in San Antonio.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Modesto than in San Antonio.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Modesto than in San Antonio.
How life is different in Modesto vs. San Antonio
| Modesto | San Antonio | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 1,434,625 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 48 | 37 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 45 |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 48.06 |
| Safety index | 34.24 | 51.94 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- San Antonio's population is about 557% greater than Modesto.
- San Antonio's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Modesto's score of 5.
- San Antonio is less walkable than Modesto with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Modesto's 48 out of 100.
- San Antonio has a bike-friendliness score of 45 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Modesto, which has a score of 48.
- San Antonio's crime rate is lower than Modesto with a score of 48.06 compared to Modesto's 65.76. This means that San Antonio neighborhoods are safer than 48.06% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Modesto neighborhoods are safer than 65.76%.
- San Antonio is considered to be safer than Modesto with a safety index of 51.94 vs Modesto's 34.24.
- Air quality in San Antonio is Moderate, and in Modesto it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Modesto to San Antonio move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Texas’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Texas does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to San Antonio. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in San Antonio
Planning your move to Alamo City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in San Antonio.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Alamo Heights
- Downtown
- Tobin Hill
- Monte Vista
Best neighborhoods for families
- Alamo Heights
- Great Northwest
- Northwest Crossing
- Oak Park-Northwood
- Terrell Hills
Things to do in San Antonio
After settling into your new Texas home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, San Antonio has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: San Antonio features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the The Alamo, Witte Museum, The DoSeum - San Antonio's Museum for Kids, and Briscoe Western Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Brackenridge Park, Phil Hardberger park, Japanese Tea Garden, and Mercado O'liva — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an UTSA Roadrunners American footballSan Antonio Spurs BasketballSan Antonio MissionsSan Antonio FC game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Modesto to San Antonio?
Planning your move from Modesto to San Antonio? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Modesto.
When is the cheapest time to move from Modesto to San Antonio?
Because most people are moving from Modesto to San Antonio in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Modesto to San Antonio take?
The 1,663-mile journey from Modesto, CA to San Antonio, TX, typically takes four to 15 days. Some movers in Modesto offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in San Antonio.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Modesto?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Modesto, 10 movers can manage piano relocations. 5 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, California has 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
