($987+) Fort Worth, TX to Modesto, CA Movers
Moving from Fort Worth, TX, to Modesto, CA, runs anywhere from $1,058 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,822 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,625 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 $2,351, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,822 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,561 - $5,556, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,058 - $2,758.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Fort Worth, TX, to Modesto, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,185 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Fort Worth, TX to Modesto, CA
Moving options from Fort Worth to Modesto fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,185 - $6,859 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,625 miles, this route usually takes 4 to 15 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,625-mile route from Fort Worth to Modesto, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,351 - $5,650 | $1,561 - $2,910 | $1,058 - $1,857 | $1,338 - $2,518 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,185 - $6,859 | $1,940 - $3,991 | $1,069 - $2,210 | $1,551 - $3,161 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,027 - $9,822 | $2,565 - $5,556 | $1,318 - $2,758 | $2,031 - $4,063 |
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 Fort Worth, TX to Modesto, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,625-mile move from Fort Worth, Texas, to Modesto, California, with costs ranging from $2,351 - $9,822. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $323 - $2,152. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Fort Worth and Modesto. Local movers in Fort Worth typically start around $216 as a base rate plus $80/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Fort Worth to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,351 - $5,650
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,185 - $6,859
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,027 - $9,822
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 Fort Worth 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: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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 Fort Worth, TX to Modesto, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Fort Worth 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 packing98% of local movers | $538 - $5,380 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage | $215 - $1,291/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $323 - $2,582 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage27% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs70% of local movers | $1,076 - $3,228 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,690 - $10,760 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $806 - $1,531 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items50% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage | $1,076 - $2,690 |
| Piano | Any piano type62% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage | $861 - $3,766 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling37% of local movers | $323 - $1,614 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage | $699 - $2,152 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $323 - $16,140+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $323 - $3,766+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Fort Worth 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Fort Worth, TX. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Fort Worth, TX to Modesto, CA
Moving containers from Fort Worth, Texas, to Modesto, California, cost between $1,561 and $5,556. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Fort Worth runs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Fort Worth to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,561 - $2,910
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,940 - $3,991
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,565 - $5,556
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 Fort Worth, TX, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $753, 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 $81 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $161 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Fort Worth, 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 $1,561. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,940 - $3,991, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth:
- Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 24 years in business
- Olde World Movers (4.9/5), 38 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.7/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Fort Worth, TX to Modesto, CA
Plan on $1,058 - $2,758 for a rental moving truck on the 1,625-mile route from Fort Worth, Texas, to Modesto, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $556 - $636
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Fort Worth daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Fort Worth to Modesto based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,058 - $1,857
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,069 - $2,210
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,318 - $2,758
Pro tip: A rental truck from Fort Worth to Modesto looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,058 - $2,758. But once you factor in fuel ($556 - $636) , overnight lodging ($161/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $556 - $636 for the 1,625-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 Fort Worth, Texas, for about 5 hours typically costs around $753.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,625-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $161 per night, adding $323 - $484 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $54 and $323.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth, TX to Modesto, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Fort Worth, 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 $968 and $3,161.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Fort Worth to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,338 - $2,518
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,551 - $3,161
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,031 - $4,063
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Fort Worth, Texas, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $753.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $81 - $161 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 Fort Worth 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.
- Hazel's Expedited Freight (4.62/5 stars): Hazel's Expedited Freight is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
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 Modesto 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: Fort Worth, TX vs Modesto, CA
Day-to-day costs in Modesto are close to what you're used to in Fort Worth: cost of living index of 116 versus 102, with average rent of $1,800/mo compared to $1,773/mo. Housing, income, and taxes are all in a similar range, so budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores are close too, at 35/100 and 56.81/100 in Fort Worth versus 48/100 and 34.24/100 in Modesto.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Modesto, CA to Fort Worth, TX guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Texas to California, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 289 movers in Texas, so you have real options to compare for this 1,625-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Fort Worth, TX, to Modesto, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,351 for a studio to $9,822 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,625-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,561 - $5,556. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,058 - $2,758, 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 $3,185 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 Fort Worth, TX, to Modesto, CA
Is Modesto a safe place to live?
Modesto has a safety index of 34.24 out of 100 and a crime index of 65.76, compared to 56.81 and 43.19 in Fort Worth. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Fort Worth, 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 $1,069 - $2,210. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Modesto?
For families, Del Rio, Dutch Hollow, and La Loma are worth a look in Modesto. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown Modesto, College Area, and McHenry Village tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Fort Worth, 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 do local movers charge in Fort Worth?
Local movers based in Fort Worth typically start around $216 as a base rate, plus $80/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 percentage of Fort Worth movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 62% of movers in Fort Worth handle piano moves, and 50% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
