Moving from Los Angeles to Modesto, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Los Angeles to Modesto costs $386–$7,427, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 311-mile route within California take 1–4 days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 374+ California moving companies.
- Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Los Angeles to Modesto?
Moving from Los Angeles to Modesto doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.
For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5).
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 311-mile move:
Moving from Los Angeles to Modesto costs between $386 and $7,427, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 311-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $2,041–$5,863 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $1,337–$2,468 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $412–$824 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $100/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 374+ California movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Los Angeles to Modesto?
Moving from Los Angeles to Modesto costs between $386 and $7,427, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 311-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,236–$7,427
- Moving containers: $1,079–$3,226
- Rental trucks: $386–$974
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves bundle packing, loading, transport, and unloading into one price. Professional packing alone tacks on $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers shift the loading and unloading work to you, which is where most of the savings come from.
- Rental trucks cut costs roughly 30% versus full-service, but you handle the driving for 311 miles and bring your own labor.
- moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,236–$4,346 | $1,079–$1,924 | $386–$717 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,041–$5,863 | $1,337–$2,468 | $412–$824 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,850–$7,427 | $1,821–$3,226 | $504–$974 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 374+ California moving companies, and are updated as of May 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
What extra fees should you expect on a Los Angeles to Modesto move?
The most common extra fees on a Los Angeles to Modesto move are professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. Most initial quotes leave these out, but they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price once layered in.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $100/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $200 minimum | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75–$500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150–$400 per item | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Los Angeles to Modesto
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Los Angeles to Modesto, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 311 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from Los Angeles to Modesto. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout California, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 311 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Modesto to Los Angeles guide.
How does Modesto compare to Los Angeles?
Cost of living: Los Angeles vs. Modesto
Cost-of-living differences between Los Angeles and Modesto extend past housing. Rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends all matter. The data below gives you a clear picture of how living in Modesto compares to Los Angeles.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Los Angeles | Modesto | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,960 | $1,800 |
| Average home cost | $878,142 | $415,024 |
| Average income (per capita) | $80,366 | $77,899 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $5,833 | $2,312 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $12,720 | $5,946 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 8.0% |
| Average sales tax | 9.5% | 8.88% |
Cost-of-living data for Los Angeles and Modesto comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated May 2026 across 374+ California cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Modesto are 39% lower than in Los Angeles. The gap typically frees up several hundred dollars a month for savings or a larger unit.
- Home prices in Modesto are 53% lower than Los Angeles. Apply the savings to a larger property, a shorter mortgage, or higher equity at purchase.
- Income levels in Los Angeles and Modesto are about the same. Budget assumptions hold steady through the move.
- Living expenses for one person in Modesto are 60% lower than Los Angeles. Use the gap to accelerate financial goals you previously delayed.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Modesto is 53% lower than Los Angeles. Lower costs free up budget for a larger home, a shorter commute, or higher household savings.
- Unemployment in Modesto runs 25% lower than Los Angeles. Hiring is more competitive, which typically supports faster offers and wage growth.
- Sales taxes in Modesto are 7% lower than Los Angeles. Time big-ticket purchases for after the move when possible.
If you live on $3,000 a month in Los Angeles, you'd need roughly $1,200 to maintain the same lifestyle in Modesto.
How life is different in Los Angeles vs. Modesto
Life in Modesto compared to Los Angeles differs across weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population. The side-by-side breakdown below helps you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.
| Los Angeles | Modesto | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,820,914 | 218,464 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 64-31 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 46ºF | 39ºF |
| Annual rain | 16" | 13" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 53.81 | 65.76 |
- Modesto is 94% smaller in size than Los Angeles. Expect lower housing costs and easier mobility, with tradeoffs on niche dining, retail, and industry concentration.
- Los Angeles and Modesto both voted Democratic in the last election.
- Summer highs in Modesto reach 94°F, hotter than Los Angeles at 84°F. Expect higher AC costs and more indoor activity from June to August.
- Winter lows in Modesto fall to 39°F, colder than Los Angeles's 46°F. Add winter heating and weatherization to the relocation budget.
- Annual rainfall in Los Angeles (16 inches) and Modesto (13 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in Los Angeles and Modesto is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime index in Modesto (65.76) is higher than Los Angeles (53.81). Property crime risk and home insurance premiums may both run higher.
Things to do in Modesto
Modesto offers a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and university campuses. The categories below highlight standout destinations in each.
Museums in Modesto
- Great Valley Museum
- McHenry Museum
- Mistlin Gallery
Parks in Modesto
- Tuolumne River Trail
Sports teams in Modesto
- Modesto Nuts (California League)
Universities in Modesto
- Modesto Junior College
- Community Business College
Final verdict: best movers from Los Angeles to Modesto
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Los Angeles to Modesto, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide California service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $386–$7,427 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 374+ California movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from Los Angeles to Modesto
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Los Angeles to Modesto?
A full-service move from Los Angeles to Modesto costs $1,189–$3,461 for a few items or a small bedroom. The cost to move a 2–3 bedroom home ranges from $2,041 to $5,863, and a 4-bedroom move or larger from Los Angeles to Modesto costs from $2,850 to $7,427.
How much are moving container companies from Los Angeles to Modesto?
Moving containers from Los Angeles to Modesto cost $745–$1,727 for a studio or 1-bedroom. For 2–3 bedrooms, costs typically fall between $1,337 and $2,468. For 4–5 bedroom homes, expect to pay $1,821–$3,226.
How much is a moving truck from Los Angeles to Modesto?
A rental moving truck from Los Angeles to Modesto costs $402–$723 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $412–$824. A 4-bedroom or larger move runs $504–$974.
Rental trucks are usually the cheapest option, with the driving and heavy lifting handled by you. Estimated fuel costs are included in the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book Los Angeles-to-Modesto movers?
Book your movers for a Los Angeles to Modesto move at least 2 months in advance. For a summer move, secure your reservation 3 months ahead. Early booking increases your chances of getting your preferred date and can help you snag lower rates. Some companies throw in early-bird discounts for reservations placed ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Modesto?
The cheapest moving deals to Modesto fall between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means lower spending and an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
