Modesto, CA to Scottsdale, AZ Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Modesto to Scottsdale typically costs $2,400–$6,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 693 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Modesto to Scottsdale
Moving from Modesto, CA to Scottsdale, AZ typically costs $2,400–$6,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 693-mile move from Modesto to Scottsdale, 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
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $1,875 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $2,359 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $2,655 for a 4 bedroom using a moving container.
Studio apartment
Feb 12, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 12, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 02, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 02, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 25, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 22, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 17, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 16, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 06, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 05, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Modesto to Scottsdale
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Modesto to Scottsdale may only cost $1,700, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $8,800.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Modesto.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($600–$1,600), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Scottsdale, AZ to Modesto, CA guide.
Best Modesto to Scottsdale movers by type
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Local
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Modesto to Scottsdale
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Modesto to Scottsdale. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
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 CA→AZ movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 372 California moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Modesto to Scottsdale
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Scottsdale runs about 149% higher for singles and -23% higher for families than Modesto.
Singles spend around $5,753 in Scottsdale versus $2,312 in Modesto; families pay $4,570 compared with $5,946.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Modesto | Scottsdale | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,446 | $1,850 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,467 | $3,410 |
| Average home value | $442,362 | $827,308 |
| Average income (per capita) | $67,011 | $64,533 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,312 | $5,753 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,946 | $4,570 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 4.7% |
| Sales tax | 8.88% | 8.05% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 2.5% |
- Rent is about 83% more expensive in Scottsdale than in Modesto. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 87% steeper in Scottsdale compared to Modesto.
- There's good news: the average income differences between Scottsdale and Modesto are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Scottsdale, with the cost of living for a single person being 149% more than in Modesto. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- A move to Scottsdale can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 23% lower compared to Modesto.
- Scottsdale has a lower unemployment rate than Modesto by about 41%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 9% cheaper in Scottsdale compared to Modesto. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 81% less in Arizona compared to California, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Modesto versus Scottsdale:
| Living Expense | Modesto | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $256.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $70.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.67 | $4.22 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.61 | $3.58 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $77.00 |
| Gym membership | $41.33 | $34.33 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Modesto than in Scottsdale, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Modesto than in Scottsdale.
- Eggs cost more in Modesto than in Scottsdale.
- Bread is more expensive in Modesto than in Scottsdale.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Modesto than in Scottsdale.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Modesto than in Scottsdale.
- Gym memberships cost more in Modesto than in Scottsdale.
How life is different in Modesto vs. Scottsdale
| Modesto | Scottsdale | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 241,361 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 48 | 32 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 56 |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 25.8 |
| Safety index | 34.24 | 74.2 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Scottsdale's population is about 10% greater than Modesto.
- Scottsdale's public transportation score is within about 5% of Modesto, making them very similar.
- Scottsdale is less walkable than Modesto with a score of 32 out of 100 vs Modesto's 48 out of 100.
- With a score of 56 out of 100, Scottsdale is more bike-friendly than Modesto, which has a score of 48 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Scottsdale's crime rate is lower than Modesto with a score of 25.8 compared to Modesto's 65.76. This means that Scottsdale neighborhoods are safer than 25.8% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Modesto neighborhoods are safer than 65.76%.
- Scottsdale is considered to be safer than Modesto with a safety index of 74.2 vs Modesto's 34.24.
- Air quality in Scottsdale is Good, and in Modesto it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Modesto to Scottsdale move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: Though Arizona is largely an “unregulated” state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Arizona, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Arizona, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Scottsdale. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness—offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Scottsdale
With your sights set on The West's Most Western Town, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Scottsdale.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Old Town Scottsdale
- Gainey Ranch
- Kierland
- Shea Corridor
- South Scottsdale
Best neighborhoods for families
- McCormick Ranch
- DC Ranch
- Grayhawk
- Troon North
- South Scottsdale
Things to do in Scottsdale
With your move to Arizona complete, you can dive right into experiencing Scottsdale. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Scottsdale is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West, Penske Racing Museum, Cosanti, and Wonderspaces Arizona.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Chaparral Park, Xeriscape Garden, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, and Scottsdale Artists' School Rose Garden — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Scottsdale Scorpions (MiLB) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Scottsdale?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Modesto to Scottsdale. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Modesto.
When is the cheapest time to move from Modesto to Scottsdale?
Want to save on your move from Modesto to Scottsdale? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Modesto to Scottsdale take?
The 693-mile move from Modesto, CA, to Scottsdale, AZ, takes one to six days. Some Modesto movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Scottsdale.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Modesto?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 10 movers in Modesto provide piano moving services. 5 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
