($1,152+) Modesto, CA to Memphis, TN Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Modesto, CA to Memphis, TN

The cost to move from Modesto, CA to Memphis, TN ranges from $1,338 to $11,783, with an average cost of $4,250. Moves can be as low as $1,152 if you're wanting to DIY it.

This move covers about 2,010 miles and usually takes 6 to 17 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.

Compare moving options from Modesto, CA to Memphis, TN

Moving options from Modesto to Memphis fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,338 - $11,783 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,250, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 2,010 miles and typically takes 6 to 17 days depending on the service you pick.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,010-mile route from Modesto to Memphis, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,338 - $5,396 $1,721 - $3,046 $1,213 - $2,432 $1,474 - $2,971
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,740 - $8,055 $2,096 - $4,670 $1,300 - $2,672 $1,747 - $3,380
4+ bedrooms $6,539 - $11,783 $2,902 - $5,941 $1,706 - $3,579 $2,298 - $4,848

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Modesto, CA to Memphis, TN

For the 2,010-mile move from Modesto, California, to Memphis, Tennessee, full-service movers cost between $1,338 and $11,783. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $312 - $2,080 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Modesto generally start around $314 plus $128 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Modesto to Memphis:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,338 - $5,396
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,740 - $8,055
  • 4+ bedrooms: $6,539 - $11,783

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 Memphis.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Tennessee. 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.

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Specialty moving services from Modesto, CA to Memphis, TN

Specialty needs vary by market — 79% of Modesto movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Memphis, 100% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$520 - $5,200
Storage in transitNew place not ready79% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Pete's Moving Services$208 - $1,248/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$312 - $2,496
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage21% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs14% of local movers$1,040 - $3,120
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,600 - $10,400
Car shippingSecond vehicle$779 - $1,480
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items36% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Grace Moving Company$1,040 - $2,600
PianoAny piano type71% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Grace Moving Company$832 - $3,640
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers$312 - $1,560
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect21% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: MidCal Moving and Storage Company$676 - $2,080
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$312 - $15,600+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$312 - $3,640+

What are the best full-service movers from Modesto to Memphis?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Modesto, CA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.

Moving container costs from Modesto, CA to Memphis, TN

Moving containers from Modesto, California, to Memphis, Tennessee, cost between $1,721 and $5,941. 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 Modesto runs about $120/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Modesto to Memphis:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,721 - $3,046
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,096 - $4,670
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,902 - $5,941

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 Modesto, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $728, 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 $78 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $156 per month.
  • Access: Most major container companies serve both Modesto, CA, and Memphis, TN, 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 California to Tennessee 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 $1,721. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,096 - $4,670, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Modesto to Memphis?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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:

  • Brewer Moving LLC (4.9/5), 11 years in business
  • MidCal Moving and Storage Company (4.6/5), 170 years in business
  • Pack it up Movers (4.9/5), 8 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Modesto, CA to Memphis, TN

Renting a moving truck for the 2,010-mile move from Modesto, California, to Memphis, Tennessee, costs between $1,213 and $3,579, before these typical add-ons:

  • Fuel for the drive: $665 - $760
  • Daily insurance: $31/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
  • Modesto daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.29
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Modesto to Memphis based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,213 - $2,432
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,300 - $2,672
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,706 - $3,579

Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,213 - $3,579 does not include fuel ($665 - $760) , lodging ($156/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Modesto to Memphis typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Modesto, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $728.
  • Gas: Fuel costs total $665 - $760 for the 2,010-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 $62 and $338, depending on what you need.
  • Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
  • Lodging: Budget around $156 per night for hotel stops on the 2,010-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $312 - $468.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Modesto to Memphis?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Memphis, TN

Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Modesto, California, to Memphis, Tennessee. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.

Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,747 and $3,380.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Modesto to Memphis:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,474 - $2,971
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,747 - $3,380
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,298 - $4,848

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?

  • Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Modesto, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $728.
  • More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $78 - $156 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 Modesto to Memphis?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Speed Intermodal (4.7/5 stars): Speed Intermodal 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 a great option when you need your belongings in Memphis 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: Modesto, CA vs Memphis, TN

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Memphis, side by side with Modesto on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Modesto, CA Memphis, TN
Cost of living index11686
Average rent$1,800/mo$1,299/mo
Median home value$415,024$154,209
Average income$77,899/yr$51,211/yr
Unemployment rate8.0%8.0%
State income taxUp to 13.3%None
Walkability score48/10035/100
Safety index34.24/10022.51/100
Air qualityModerateGood

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 Memphis, TN to Modesto, CA guide.

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Our take

The 2,010-mile move from Modesto, CA, to Memphis, TN, costs between $1,338 and $11,783 with full-service movers, $1,721 - $5,941 with a moving container, and $1,213 - $3,579 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,740 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include FedEx and AutoZone.

FAQs: Moving from Modesto, CA, to Memphis, TN

How walkable is Memphis?

Memphis has a walkability score of 35 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 41, compared to 48 and 48 in Modesto. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.

What are the best neighborhoods in Memphis?

For families, Bartlett, Cordova, and East Memphis are worth a look in Memphis. If you're moving solo or without kids, Binghampton, Cooper-Young, and Crosstown tend to be popular picks instead.

How do I know a mover is licensed in Tennessee?

Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.

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 Memphis run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.

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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

What percentage of Modesto movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 71% of movers in Modesto handle piano moves, and 36% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.