Modesto, CA to Tucson, AZ Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Modesto to Tucson typically costs $2,700–$6,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 794 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Modesto to Tucson
Moving from Modesto, CA to Tucson, AZ typically costs $2,700–$6,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 794-mile move from Modesto to Tucson, 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
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $1,684 for a 1 bedroom (large) using a moving container.
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $3,578 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $4,934 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 12, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 12, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 31, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 25, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 20, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Dec 21, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 13, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 30, 2025
Studio apartment
Nov 30, 2025
Studio apartment
Nov 27, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Modesto to Tucson
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,000, but larger homes can run up to $9,300.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Modesto.
- 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 Tucson, AZ to Modesto, CA guide.
Best Modesto to Tucson movers by type
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Local
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Modesto to Tucson
For a stress-free interstate move from Modesto to Tucson, 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 CA→AZ movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 372 California 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 Modesto to Tucson
Overall, Modesto and Tucson land in a similar cost of living range, so your monthly outlay shouldn’t swing dramatically.
Singles average $2,390 in Tucson and $2,312 in Modesto, while families in Tucson see $6,043 versus $5,946 in Modesto.
Here’s how the everyday expenses compare across both cities:
| Modesto | Tucson | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,446 | $1,265 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,467 | $2,177 |
| Average home value | $442,362 | $327,203 |
| Average income (per capita) | $67,011 | $61,749 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,312 | $2,390 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,946 | $6,043 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 7.4% |
| Sales tax | 8.88% | 8.7% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 2.5% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 28% lower in Tucson than in Modesto, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 26% lower in Tucson than in Modesto.
- It's important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 8% less in Tucson than in Modesto.
- Since the cost of living for a single person is within 5% of the same in both Tucson and Modesto, you shouldn't see much difference.
- You’ll find the cost of living for a family to be nearly equivalent in Tucson and Modesto, with only a minor variance of about 5%, so you'll likely see minimal difference in daily expenses.
- Tucson experiences an unemployment rate that is about 7% lower than that of Modesto. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are similar in Tucson and Modesto (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
- Income taxes are 81% lower in Arizona compared to California. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Modesto with Tucson:
| Living Expense | Modesto | Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $271.98 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $70.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.67 | $4.22 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.61 | $3.33 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $41.33 | $35.28 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Modesto than in Tucson, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Modesto than in Tucson.
- Eggs cost more in Modesto than in Tucson.
- Bread is more expensive in Modesto than in Tucson.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Modesto than in Tucson.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Modesto than in Tucson.
- Gym memberships cost more in Modesto than in Tucson.
How life is different in Modesto vs. Tucson
| Modesto | Tucson | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 542,629 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 48 | 43 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 66 |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 54.43 |
| Safety index | 34.24 | 45.57 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Tucson's population is about 148% greater than Modesto.
- Tucson's public transportation score is within about 5% of Modesto, making them very similar.
- Tucson is less walkable than Modesto with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Modesto's 48 out of 100.
- With a score of 66 out of 100, Tucson 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.
- Tucson's crime rate is lower than Modesto with a score of 54.43 compared to Modesto's 65.76. This means that Tucson neighborhoods are safer than 54.43% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Modesto neighborhoods are safer than 65.76%.
- Tucson is considered to be safer than Modesto with a safety index of 45.57 vs Modesto's 34.24.
- Air quality in Tucson is Good, and in Modesto it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Modesto to Tucson 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: 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Arizona 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 Tucson smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Tucson
Now that you've chosen The Old Pueblo as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Tucson to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Armory Park
- Dunbar Spring
- Old Fort Lowell
- El Presidio
- Sam Hughes
Best neighborhoods for families
- Armory Park
- Broadmoor-Broadway
- Catalina Foothills
- Dunbar Spring
- Sam Hughes
Things to do in Tucson
After getting comfortable in your new Arizona home, it's time to see what Tucson 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, Tucson offers cultural landmarks like the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Pima Air and Space Museum, DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum, and The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Agua Caliente Park, Himmel Park, Rillito River Park, and Brandi Fenton Memorial Park — 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 University of Arizona Wildcats (NCAA)Tucson Saguaros (Pecos League)Tucson Roadrunners (AHL)FC Tucson (USL)Tucson Monsoon (IWFL)Tucson Sugar Skulls (IFL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Tucson?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Modesto to Tucson are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Modesto are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Modesto to Tucson?
Because spring and fall moves from Modesto to Tucson 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 Modesto to Tucson take?
A move of 794 miles from Modesto, CA to Tucson, AZ generally takes two to seven days. Movers in Modesto sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Tucson is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Modesto offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 10 movers in Modesto have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 5 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across CA, there are 298 piano movers and 229 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.
