($750+) Modesto, CA to Fort Collins, CO Movers
The cost to move from Modesto, CA to Fort Collins, CO ranges from $1,178 to $8,217, with an average cost of $3,200. Moves can be as low as $750 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,173 miles and usually takes 2 to 8 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 Fort Collins, CO
Moving options from Modesto to Fort Collins fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,178 - $8,217 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,200, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 38% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 70% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,173 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,173-mile route from Modesto to Fort Collins, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,178 - $4,711 | $1,154 - $2,272 | $757 - $1,330 | $1,147 - $2,044 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,650 - $6,245 | $1,642 - $3,226 | $803 - $1,565 | $1,263 - $2,632 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,638 - $8,217 | $2,158 - $4,267 | $1,027 - $2,028 | $1,676 - $3,480 |
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 Fort Collins, CO
For the 1,173-mile move from Modesto, California, to Fort Collins, Colorado, full-service movers cost between $1,178 and $8,217. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $348 - $2,320 (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 Modesto generally start around $314 plus $128 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Modesto to Fort Collins:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,178 - $4,711
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,650 - $6,245
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,638 - $8,217
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 Fort Collins.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Colorado. 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 Fort Collins, CO
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Modesto movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Fort Collins, 57% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing56% of local movers | $580 - $5,800 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Grace Moving Company | $232 - $1,392/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $348 - $2,784 |
| 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 | $1,160 - $3,480 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,900 - $11,600 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $869 - $1,651 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items13% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Brewer Moving LLC | $1,160 - $2,900 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Pete's Moving Services | $928 - $4,060 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $348 - $1,740 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $754 - $2,320 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $348 - $17,400+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $348 - $4,060+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Modesto to Fort Collins?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Modesto, CA. 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 Modesto, CA to Fort Collins, CO
Moving containers from Modesto, California, to Fort Collins, Colorado, cost between $1,154 and $4,267. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Modesto typically costs about $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Modesto to Fort Collins:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,154 - $2,272
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,642 - $3,226
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,158 - $4,267
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $87 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $174 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Fort Collins, CO, 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 $812 in Modesto, CA. 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 California to Colorado 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 $1,154. 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 $1,642 - $3,226.
What are the best moving containers Modesto to Fort Collins?
- 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 Fort Collins, CO
Renting a moving truck for the 1,173-mile move from Modesto, California, to Fort Collins, Colorado, costs between $757 and $2,028, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $433 - $495
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- 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 Fort Collins based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $757 - $1,330
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $803 - $1,565
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,027 - $2,028
Pro tip: The base rate of $757 - $2,028 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Modesto to Fort Collins. Fuel ($433 - $495), lodging at around $174/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?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $87 and $406.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $174.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $433 and $495 for the 1,173-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $812 for 2 movers in Modesto, California, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Modesto to Fort Collins?
- 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 Fort Collins, CO
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Modesto, California, to Fort Collins, Colorado, 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 $1,263 and $2,632.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Modesto to Fort Collins:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,147 - $2,044
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,263 - $2,632
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,676 - $3,480
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 $87 - $174 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 $812.
What are the best freight companies from Modesto to Fort Collins?
- 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 Fort Collins, CO
Day-to-day costs in Fort Collins are close to what you're used to in Modesto: cost of living index of 116 versus 116, with average rent of $1,750/mo compared to $1,800/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 48/100 and 34.24/100 in Modesto versus 37/100 and 72.86/100 in Fort Collins.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Fort Collins, CO to Modesto, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from California to Colorado, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 1,154 movers in California, so you have real options to compare for this 1,173-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Modesto, CA, to Fort Collins, CO, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,178 - $8,217 on the 1,173-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,154 - $4,267 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $757 - $2,028 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,650 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Advanced Energy Industries and RIMROCK.
FAQs: Moving from Modesto, CA, to Fort Collins, CO
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($433 - $495), daily insurance ($35/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $23) on top. Overnight stops can add another $174/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Modesto, CA to Fort Collins, CO take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 8 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 is the best time of year to move from Modesto, CA to Fort Collins, CO?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Modesto, CA to Fort Collins, CO?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
Is Fort Collins a safe place to live?
Fort Collins has a safety index of 72.86 out of 100 and a crime index of 17.0, compared to 34.24 and 65.76 in Modesto. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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.