($1,584+) Providence, RI to Modesto, CA Movers
Moving from Providence, RI, to Modesto, CA, runs anywhere from $1,584 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,689 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 3,074 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 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 $2,647, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,689 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,922 - $7,817, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,584 - $4,403.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Providence, RI, to Modesto, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,113 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Providence, RI to Modesto, CA
Moving options from Providence to Modesto fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $4,113 - $7,703 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 37% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 58% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 3,074-mile route typically takes 7 to 21 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 3,074-mile route from Providence to Modesto, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,647 - $6,264 | $1,922 - $3,830 | $1,584 - $3,328 | $1,874 - $3,481 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,113 - $7,703 | $2,572 - $5,446 | $1,733 - $3,849 | $2,161 - $4,225 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,070 - $11,689 | $3,518 - $7,817 | $2,259 - $4,403 | $2,757 - $6,075 |
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 Providence, RI to Modesto, CA
For the 3,074-mile move from Providence, Rhode Island, to Modesto, California, full-service movers cost between $2,647 and $11,689. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $335 - $2,236 (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 Providence generally start around $348 plus $90 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Providence to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,647 - $6,264
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,113 - $7,703
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,070 - $11,689
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 Providence to Modesto.
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 Providence, RI to Modesto, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 79% of Providence movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Modesto, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $559 - $5,590 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready79% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $224 - $1,342/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $335 - $2,683 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage17% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs60% of local movers | $1,118 - $3,354 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,795 - $11,180 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $837 - $1,591 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items36% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $1,118 - $2,795 |
| Piano | Any piano type48% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $894 - $3,913 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling6% of local movers | $335 - $1,677 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (RI) | $727 - $2,236 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $335 - $16,770+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $335 - $3,913+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Providence to Modesto?
Movers licensed to operate in California are typically members of the California Moving & Storage Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Providence, RI. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Providence, RI to Modesto, CA
Moving containers from Providence, Rhode Island, to Modesto, California, cost between $1,922 and $7,817. 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 Providence costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Providence to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,922 - $3,830
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,572 - $5,446
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,518 - $7,817
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $84 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $168 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Modesto, CA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $783 in Providence, RI. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Rhode Island 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 $1,922. 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 $2,572 - $5,446.
What are the best moving containers Providence 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 Providence 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 Providence:
- Boston Best Rate Movers (4.7/5), 21 years in business
- Esquire Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- Fresh Start-The Moving Crew (4.9/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Providence, RI to Modesto, CA
Plan on $1,584 - $4,403 for a rental moving truck on the 3,074-mile route from Providence, Rhode Island, to Modesto, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,094 - $1,250
- Daily insurance: $34/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Providence daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| 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 Providence to Modesto based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,584 - $3,328
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,733 - $3,849
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,259 - $4,403
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,584 - $4,403 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Providence to Modesto. Fuel ($1,094 - $1,250), lodging at around $168/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $168 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Providence, Rhode Island, usually costs about $783 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 3,074-mile drive falls between $1,094 and $1,250, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $56 and $335 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Providence 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 Providence, RI to Modesto, CA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Providence, Rhode Island, to Modesto, California, 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 $2,161 and $4,225.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Providence to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,874 - $3,481
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,161 - $4,225
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,757 - $6,075
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 pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $84 and $168.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Providence, Rhode Island, for roughly five hours typically average $783.
What are the best freight companies from Providence to Modesto?
- 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: 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: Providence, RI vs Modesto, CA
Good news for your budget: Modesto isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Providence. Cost of living index runs 116 there against 109 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 76/100 and 50.16/100 here versus 48/100 and 34.24/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Modesto, CA to Providence, RI guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Rhode Island to California, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 29 movers licensed in Rhode Island, useful context for sizing up this 3,074-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 3,074-mile route from Providence, RI, to Modesto, CA, run $2,647 - $11,689 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,922 - $7,817, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,584 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,113, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Save Mart Supermarkets and Sutter Central Valley Hospitals.
FAQs: Moving from Providence, RI, to Modesto, CA
What is the cheapest way to move from Providence, RI 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 $1,733 - $3,849. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Providence, RI to Modesto, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,584 to $11,689, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,647 and $11,689, 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 do local movers charge in Providence?
Local movers based in Providence typically start around $348 as a base rate, plus $90/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.
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
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.
What percentage of Providence movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 48% of movers in Providence handle piano moves, and 36% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.