Moving from Fresno to Sacramento, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Fresno to Sacramento costs between $216 to $5,437 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 169-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Fresno to Sacramento
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Fresno to Sacramento are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Fresno to driving and unloading in Sacramento, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 169 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,478 - $4,508 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,161 - $2,185 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $234 - $436 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Colonial Van & Storage | $135/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Fresno to Sacramento?
It costs between $216 to $5,437 to move from Fresno to Sacramento. The prices below break down your 169-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $925 - $5,437
- Moving containers: $849 - $2,571
- Rental trucks: $216 - $524
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $925 - $3,655 | $849 - $1,569 | $216 - $378 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,478 - $4,508 | $1,161 - $2,185 | $234 - $436 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,086 - $5,437 | $1,454 - $2,571 | $293 - $524 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $312 - $2,600+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $135/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $90/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $208 - $832 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $52 - $208 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Fresno to Sacramento
At 169 miles, your Fresno to Sacramento move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Fresno to Sacramento. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 169 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Meathead Movers is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Fresno to Sacramento. They've been in business since 2003 (23 years of experience) and 84.6% of their 500 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Sacramento to Fresno guide.
Considerations when moving from Fresno to Sacramento
Cost of living: Fresno vs. Sacramento
The cost of living in Fresno vs. Sacramento isn’t just about housing costs. We’ll lay out everything that matters, including rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends, so you can easily see how life in Sacramento compares to what you’re used to in Fresno.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Fresno | Sacramento | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,650 | $1,899 |
| Average home cost | $347,152 | $483,739 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,804 | $83,753 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,277 | $2,656 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,358 | $6,191 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.09% | 7.7% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.98% | 8.75% |
- Rent prices in Sacramento are 15% higher than in Fresno, meaning a larger portion of your income may go toward housing, leaving less for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Sacramento are 39% higher than in Fresno, so you’ll likely need a larger down payment and can expect bigger monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- You could enjoy greater earning potential and improved financial stability in Sacramento, where average income is 25% higher than in Fresno — especially if your salary is on par with the local average.
- Living costs for one person are 17% higher in Sacramento compared to Fresno. Make sure to budget for these higher expenses.
- If you’re relocating your family to Sacramento, plan for living expenses to be about 16% higher than in Fresno. Things like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, so Sacramento is generally a more expensive spot for families.
- The unemployment rate in Sacramento is 9% higher than in Fresno. This could make finding work more challenging and potentially affect job security, especially if you're moving without a job lined up.
- You’ll find sales taxes in Sacramento are 10% higher than in Fresno, which means day-to-day expenses on items like clothes, electronics, or dining out may add up faster.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Fresno, you’ll need about $3,510 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Sacramento.
How life is different in Fresno vs. Sacramento
Before you move, check out how life in Sacramento measures up to Fresno. You can easily compare the weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population side by side. This comparison makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| Fresno | Sacramento | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 542,107 | 524,943 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51-46 | Democratic 51-46 |
| Summer high | 98ºF | 93ºF |
| Winter low | 38ºF | 39ºF |
| Annual rain | 13" | 20" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 56.85 | 49.21 |
Sacramento sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Sacramento and Fresno is about the same. When moving between cities of similar population size, the transition often feels smoother, but the real differences lie in culture, economy, layout, and cost of living, not just the number of people.
- During the last presidential election, both Fresno and Sacramento supported the Democratic candidate.
- You’ll find that both Sacramento and Fresno have similar summer temperatures, so expect the same warm weather you’re used to, without changing your routine.
- In the coldest months, you’ll find similar low temperatures in both Fresno and Sacramento—with winter lows around 38°F and 39°F.
- Sacramento typically gets more rainfall than Fresno, with an annual average of 20 inches compared to just Fresno’s 13 inches.
- Both Fresno and Sacramento receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Sacramento posts a lower crime rate than Fresno, with a crime index of 49.21 compared to Fresno’s 56.85.
Things to do in Sacramento
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Sacramento has plenty to offer:
Museums in Sacramento
- California State Railroad Museum
- Crocker Art Museum
- California State Capitol Museum
- Old Sacramento
- California Automobile Museum
Parks in Sacramento
- Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park
- Capitol Park
- William Land Park
- McKinley Park
- American River Parkway
Sports teams in Sacramento
- Sacramento Kings (NBA)
- Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship)
- Sacramento River Cats (Triple-A West)
Universities in Sacramento
- California State University-Sacramento
- Epic Bible College
- MTI College
- Asher College
- Carrington College-Sacramento
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Fresno to Sacramento?
Shipping furniture from Fresno to Sacramento with a moving company typically costs between $807 and $3,165. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $1,478 to $4,508. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $2,086 and $5,437 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Fresno to Sacramento?
If you’re planning a move from Fresno to Sacramento and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $654 and $1,456. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $1,161 to $2,185. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,454 to $2,571.
How much is a moving truck from Fresno to Sacramento?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is often the most budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though— you’ll need to handle both the driving and the heavy lifting yourself. To keep things transparent, we’ve factored estimated fuel costs into our pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, expect to pay between $216 and $381. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $234 and $436. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Fresno to Sacramento, truck rentals usually range from $293 up to $524.
How far in advance should I book Fresno-to-Sacramento movers?
To make your move from Fresno to Sacramento as stress-free as possible, lock in your movers at least two months before your big day. If you’re planning a summer move, aim for three months ahead, because spots fill up fast! Booking early not only boosts your chances of getting the date you want, but you might also score a better deal since many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Sacramento?
The cheapest time of year to move to Sacramento is between early October and late April. This period is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.
