Tucson, AZ to Modesto, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Tucson to Modesto typically costs $2,500–$6,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 793 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Tucson to Modesto
Moving from Tucson, AZ to Modesto, CA typically costs $2,500–$6,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 793-mile move from Tucson to Modesto, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 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
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $6,805 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $2,902 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $6,407 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 27, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 27, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 26, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 15, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 13, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 07, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 24, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 21, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 21, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 10, 2026
Factors that impact moving costs from Tucson 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 $1,900, but larger homes can run up to $8,600.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Tucson.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($600–$1,700) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Modesto, CA to Tucson, AZ guide.
Best Tucson to Modesto movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Tucson to Modesto
For a stress-free interstate move from Tucson 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 AZ→CA movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 99 Arizona 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 Tucson to Modesto
Overall, Tucson and Modesto land in a similar cost of living range, so your monthly outlay shouldn’t swing dramatically.
Singles average $2,312 in Modesto and $2,390 in Tucson, while families in Modesto see $5,946 versus $6,043 in Tucson.
Here’s how the everyday expenses compare across both cities:
| Tucson | Modesto | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,265 | $1,446 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,177 | $2,467 |
| Average home value | $327,203 | $442,362 |
| Average income (per capita) | $61,749 | $67,011 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,390 | $2,312 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,043 | $5,946 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.4% | 8.0% |
| Sales tax | 8.7% | 8.88% |
| State income tax | 2.5% | 13.3% |
- As you consider relocating to Modesto, note that rent can be roughly 39% more expensive than it is in Tucson; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 35% higher in Modesto than in Tucson.
- Great news! You'll find the average income is about 9% higher in Modesto compared to Tucson, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Since the cost of living for a single person is within 5% of the same in both Modesto and Tucson, you shouldn't see much difference.
- You’ll find the cost of living for a family to be nearly equivalent in Modesto and Tucson, with only a minor variance of about 5%, so you'll likely see minimal difference in daily expenses.
- The unemployment rate in Modesto is 8% higher compared to Tucson, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are similar in Modesto and Tucson (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
- Income taxes are 432% higher in California compared to Arizona. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state's tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Tucson with Modesto:
| Living Expense | Tucson | Modesto |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $271.98 | $229.35 |
| Cell phone plan | $70.53 | $62.91 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.22 | $5.67 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.33 | $3.61 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $35.28 | $41.33 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Tucson than in Modesto.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Tucson than in Modesto.
- Eggs are less expensive in Tucson than in Modesto.
- Bread costs less in Tucson than in Modesto.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Tucson than in Modesto.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Tucson than in Modesto.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Tucson than in Modesto.
How life is different in Tucson vs. Modesto
| Tucson | Modesto | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 542,629 | 218,464 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 43 | 48 |
| Bike friendliness score | 66 | 48 |
| Crime index | 54.43 | 65.76 |
| Safety index | 45.57 | 34.24 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Modesto's population is about 60% less than Tucson.
- Modesto's public transportation score is within about 5% of Tucson, making them very similar.
- Modesto is more walkable than Tucson with a score of 48 out of 100 vs Tucson's 43 out of 100.
- Modesto has a bike-friendliness score of 48 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Tucson, which has a score of 66.
- Modesto's crime rate is higher than Tucson with a score of 65.76 compared to Tucson's 54.43. This means that Modesto neighborhoods are safer than 65.76% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tucson neighborhoods are safer than 54.43%.
- Modesto is considered to be less safe than Tucson with a score of 34.24 vs Tucson's 45.57.
- Air quality in Modesto is Moderate, and in Tucson it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Tucson 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 Tucson to Modesto?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Tucson to Modesto are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Tucson are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Tucson to Modesto?
Because spring and fall moves from Tucson 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 Tucson to Modesto take?
A move of 793 miles from Tucson, AZ to Modesto, CA generally takes two to seven days. Movers in Tucson sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Modesto is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Tucson?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 1 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Tucson offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 11 movers in Tucson have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 9 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across AZ, there are 73 piano movers and 49 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,294 and 1,462.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
