McAllen, TX to Modesto, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from McAllen to Modesto typically costs $3,800–$8,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,904 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from McAllen to Modesto
Moving from McAllen, TX to Modesto, CA typically costs $3,800–$8,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,904-mile move from McAllen to Modesto, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- American Van Lines recently quoted $3,338 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $2,014 for a 4 bedroom using a rental truck.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $4,897 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 04, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 28, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 17, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 16, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 09, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 24, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 13, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 04, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 02, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 01, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from McAllen to Modesto
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,600, but larger homes can run up to $12,100.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in McAllen.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,200–$3,600) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Modesto, CA to McAllen, TX guide.
Best McAllen to Modesto movers by type
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Best professional movers from McAllen to Modesto
For a stress-free interstate move from McAllen to Modesto, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
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 TX→CA movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 291 Texas moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from McAllen to Modesto
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Modesto runs about 59% higher for singles and 67% higher for families than McAllen.
Singles spend around $2,312 in Modesto versus $1,457 in McAllen; families pay $5,946 compared with $3,557.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| McAllen | Modesto | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $813 | $1,446 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,360 | $2,467 |
| Average home value | $221,244 | $442,362 |
| Average income (per capita) | $57,439 | $67,011 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,457 | $2,312 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,557 | $5,946 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 8.0% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 8.88% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- As you consider relocating to Modesto, note that rent can be roughly 33% more expensive than it is in McAllen; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 100% higher in Modesto than in McAllen.
- Great news! You'll find the average income is about 17% higher in Modesto compared to McAllen, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Modesto, since the cost of living for a single person is 59% more than in McAllen. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Modesto, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Modesto is 67% more than it is in McAllen.
- Both Modesto and McAllen present nearly identical unemployment rates, within a 5% range, signifying stability in employment conditions.
- Sales taxes are 8% higher in Modesto than in McAllen. This means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- California has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing McAllen with Modesto:
| Living Expense | McAllen | Modesto |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $169.85 | $229.35 |
| Cell phone plan | $39.43 | $62.91 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.23 | $5.67 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.95 | $3.61 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $12.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $62.50 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $45.00 | $41.33 |
- Basic utilities cost less in McAllen than in Modesto, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in McAllen than in Modesto.
- Eggs are less expensive in McAllen than in Modesto.
- Bread costs less in McAllen than in Modesto.
- A quick meal is cheaper in McAllen than in Modesto.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in McAllen than in Modesto.
- Gym memberships cost more in McAllen than in Modesto.
How life is different in McAllen vs. Modesto
| McAllen | Modesto | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 142,210 | 218,464 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 48 |
| Bike friendliness score | 46 | 48 |
| Crime index | 36.26 | 65.76 |
| Safety index | 63.74 | 34.24 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- Modesto's population is about 54% greater than McAllen.
- Modesto's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than McAllen's score of 3.
- Modesto is more walkable than McAllen with a score of 48 out of 100 vs McAllen's 41 out of 100.
- Both Modesto and McAllen have similar bike-friendliness scores (46 vs 48), meaning Modesto is about as safe for cyclists as McAllen. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Modesto's crime rate is higher than McAllen with a score of 65.76 compared to McAllen's 36.26. This means that Modesto neighborhoods are safer than 65.76% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and McAllen neighborhoods are safer than 36.26%.
- Modesto is considered to be less safe than McAllen with a score of 34.24 vs McAllen's 63.74.
- Air quality in Modesto is Moderate, and in McAllen it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your McAllen to Modesto move
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While California doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Modesto smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Modesto
Now that you've chosen City of Great Neighbors as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Modesto to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Modesto
- College Area
- McHenry Village
- Northwest Modesto
- Airport
Best neighborhoods for families
- Del Rio
- Dutch Hollow
- La Loma
- Village One
- Sherwood Forest
Things to do in Modesto
After getting comfortable in your new California home, it's time to see what Modesto is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Modesto offers cultural landmarks like the Great Valley Museum, McHenry Museum, and Mistlin Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Tuolumne River Trail — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Modesto Nuts (California League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from McAllen to Modesto?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from McAllen to Modesto are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in McAllen are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from McAllen to Modesto?
Because spring and fall moves from McAllen to Modesto are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from McAllen to Modesto take?
A move of 1,904 miles from McAllen, TX to Modesto, CA generally takes five to 16 days. Movers in McAllen sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Modesto is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in McAllen offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 5 movers in McAllen have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 2 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across TX, there are 176 piano movers and 120 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
