($1,021+) Modesto, CA to McKinney, TX Movers
The cost to move from Modesto, CA to McKinney, TX ranges from $1,282 to $10,121, with an average cost of $3,600. Moves can be as low as $1,021 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,657 miles and usually takes 4 to 15 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Modesto, CA to McKinney, TX
Moving options from Modesto to McKinney fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,282 - $10,121 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,600, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 35% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 64% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,657 miles and typically takes 4 to 15 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,657-mile route from Modesto to McKinney, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,282 - $4,985, container $1,484 - $2,740, rental truck $1,021 - $1,868, freight trailer $1,335 - $2,466.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,965 - $6,706, container $1,936 - $3,833, rental truck $1,063 - $2,222, freight trailer $1,518 - $3,036.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $5,356 - $10,121, container $2,564 - $4,934, rental truck $1,272 - $2,582, freight trailer $2,011 - $4,028.
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 Modesto, CA to McKinney, TX
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,657-mile move from Modesto, California, to McKinney, Texas, with prices running from $1,282 - $10,121. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $343 - $2,288 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Modesto and McKinney are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Modesto movers tend to run around $314 as a base rate plus $128/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Modesto to McKinney:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,282 - $4,985
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,965 - $6,706
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,356 - $10,121
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 McKinney.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Texas. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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 Modesto, CA to McKinney, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Modesto movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In McKinney, 59% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing56% of local movers | $572 - $5,720 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Grace Moving Company | $229 - $1,373/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $343 - $2,746 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs46% of local movers | $1,144 - $3,432 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,860 - $11,440 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $857 - $1,628 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items13% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Brewer Moving LLC | $1,144 - $2,860 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Pete's Moving Services | $915 - $4,004 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $343 - $1,716 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $744 - $2,288 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $343 - $17,160+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $343 - $4,004+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Modesto to McKinney?
Southwest Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Texas, 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 full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Modesto, CA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Modesto, CA to McKinney, TX
Moving containers from Modesto, California, to McKinney, Texas, cost between $1,484 and $4,934. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Modesto typically costs about $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Modesto to McKinney:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,484 - $2,740
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,936 - $3,833
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,564 - $4,934
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 $801 in Modesto, CA. 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 $86 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $172 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 McKinney, TX, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Texas 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 $1,484. 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 $1,936 - $3,833.
What are the best moving containers Modesto to McKinney?
- 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 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:
- Big Island Movers (4.8/5), 14 years in business
- Brewer Moving LLC (4.9/5), 11 years in business
- Lunardi Moving (4.8/5), 12 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Modesto, CA to McKinney, TX
Renting a moving truck for the 1,657-mile move from Modesto, California, to McKinney, Texas, costs between $1,021 and $2,582, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $603 - $689
- Daily insurance: $34/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Modesto daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.29
| 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 Modesto to McKinney based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,021 - $1,868
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,063 - $2,222
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,272 - $2,582
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Modesto to McKinney starts at $1,021 - $2,582, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($603 - $689), overnight lodging ($172/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $172 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $74 and $372 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $603 - $689 in fuel for the 1,657-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $801 in Modesto, California, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Modesto to McKinney?
- 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 Modesto, CA to McKinney, TX
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Modesto, California, to McKinney, Texas, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,518 and $3,036.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Modesto to McKinney:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,335 - $2,466
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,518 - $3,036
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,011 - $4,028
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $86 - $172 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Modesto, California, typically costs $801.
What are the best freight companies from Modesto to McKinney?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to McKinney quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Modesto, CA vs McKinney, TX
Good news for your budget: McKinney isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Modesto. Cost of living index runs 112 there against 116 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 48/100 and 34.24/100 here versus 27/100 and 78.52/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our McKinney, TX to Modesto, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Texas, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. California alone has 1,154 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,657-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Modesto, CA, to McKinney, TX, 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 $1,282 - $10,121 on the 1,657-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,484 - $4,934, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,021 - $2,582. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,965 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 Globe Life and SRS Distribution.
FAQs: Moving from Modesto, CA, to McKinney, TX
How much does it cost to move from Modesto, CA to McKinney, TX?
Costs on this route range from around $1,021 to $10,121, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,282 and $10,121, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Modesto, CA to McKinney, TX?
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.
What do local movers charge in Modesto?
Local movers based in Modesto typically start around $314 as a base rate, plus $128/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 McKinney run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Modesto, CA to McKinney, TX take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 4 to 15 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 are the best neighborhoods in McKinney?
For families, Provence, Trinity Falls, and Auburn Hills are worth a look in McKinney. If you're moving solo or without kids, Historic Downtown, Trinity Falls, and Adriatic Village tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Modesto movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 40% of movers in Modesto handle piano moves, and 13% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.