($1,508+) Modesto, CA to Jersey City, NJ Movers
The cost to move from Modesto, CA to Jersey City, NJ ranges from $1,318 to $12,989, with an average cost of $4,800. Moves can be as low as $1,508 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,889 miles and usually takes 7 to 21 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Modesto, CA to Jersey City, NJ
Moving options from Modesto to Jersey City fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,318 - $12,989 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,800, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 41% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 57% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 2,889 miles and typically takes 7 to 21 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,889-mile route from Modesto to Jersey City, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,318 - $5,988 | $1,910 - $3,571 | $1,603 - $3,019 | $1,771 - $3,248 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,135 - $8,058 | $2,427 - $5,078 | $1,787 - $3,703 | $1,942 - $4,189 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,780 - $12,989 | $3,420 - $7,150 | $2,110 - $4,680 | $2,764 - $5,720 |
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 Jersey City, NJ
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 2,889-mile move from Modesto, California, to Jersey City, New Jersey, with prices running from $1,318 - $12,989. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $377 - $2,512 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Modesto and Jersey City 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 Jersey City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,318 - $5,988
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,135 - $8,058
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,780 - $12,989
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 Jersey City.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to New Jersey. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Modesto, CA to Jersey City, NJ
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Modesto movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Jersey City, 61% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing56% of local movers | $628 - $6,280 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Grace Moving Company | $251 - $1,507/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $377 - $3,014 |
| 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 | $1,256 - $3,768 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,140 - $12,560 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $941 - $1,787 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items13% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Brewer Moving LLC | $1,256 - $3,140 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Pete's Moving Services | $1,005 - $4,396 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $377 - $1,884 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $816 - $2,512 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $377 - $18,840+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $377 - $4,396+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Modesto to Jersey City?
New Jersey Warehouse & Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in New Jersey, 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 Jersey City, NJ
Moving containers from Modesto, California, to Jersey City, New Jersey, cost between $1,910 and $7,150. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Modesto costs roughly $120/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Modesto to Jersey City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,910 - $3,571
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,427 - $5,078
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,420 - $7,150
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 $879 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 $94 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $188 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 Jersey City, NJ, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to New Jersey 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 $1,910. 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 $2,427 - $5,078.
What are the best moving containers Modesto to Jersey City?
- 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 Jersey City, NJ
Renting a moving truck for the 2,889-mile move from Modesto, California, to Jersey City, New Jersey, costs between $1,603 and $4,680, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,155 - $1,319
- Daily insurance: $38/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $25
- 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 Jersey City based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,603 - $3,019
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,787 - $3,703
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,110 - $4,680
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,603 - $4,680 when pricing out a rental truck from Modesto to Jersey City. Fuel alone runs $1,155 - $1,319, and overnight lodging ($188/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
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 $879.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $1,155 - $1,319 for the 2,889-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 $75 and $408, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $188 per night for hotel stops on the 2,889-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $377 - $565.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Modesto to Jersey City?
- 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 Jersey City, NJ
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 Jersey City, New Jersey. 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. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,942 and $4,189.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Modesto to Jersey City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,771 - $3,248
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,942 - $4,189
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,764 - $5,720
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
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 $94 - $188 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 $879.
What are the best freight companies from Modesto to Jersey City?
- 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.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Modesto, CA vs Jersey City, NJ
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Jersey City, side by side with Modesto on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Modesto, CA | Jersey City, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 116 | 140 |
| Average rent | $1,800/mo | $2,975/mo |
| Median home value | $415,024 | $538,163 |
| Average income | $77,899/yr | $94,813/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 8.3% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 10.7% |
| Walkability score | 48/100 | 87/100 |
| Safety index | 34.24/100 | 56.79/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
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 Jersey City, NJ to Modesto, CA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from California to New Jersey over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 1,154 movers in our California network to compare for this 2,889-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Modesto, CA, to Jersey City, NJ, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,318 for a studio to $12,989 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 2,889-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,910 - $7,150. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,603 - $4,680, 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 $4,135 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 Kuehne + Nagel International AG and Tokio Marine Management.
FAQs: Moving from Modesto, CA, to Jersey City, NJ
How long does a move from Modesto, CA to Jersey City, NJ take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 7 to 21 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($1,155 - $1,319), daily insurance ($38/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $25) on top. Overnight stops can add another $188/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Modesto, CA to Jersey City, NJ?
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 $1,787 - $3,703. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Modesto, CA to Jersey City, NJ?
Costs on this route range from around $1,508 to $12,989, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,318 and $12,989, 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 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 4 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 40% of movers in Modesto handle piano moves, and 13% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.