Moving from Los Angeles to Modesto, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Los Angeles to Modesto costs between $379 to $7,504 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 311-mile route within California take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Los Angeles to Modesto
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Los Angeles to Modesto are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Los Angeles to driving and unloading in Modesto, 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 311 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,963 - $5,308 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,284 - $2,494 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $404 - $800 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Seka Moving | $100/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 Los Angeles to Modesto?
It costs between $379 to $7,504 to move from Los Angeles to Modesto. The prices below break down your 311-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,199 - $7,504
- Moving containers: $1,027 - $3,227
- Rental trucks: $379 - $965
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,199 - $4,391 | $1,027 - $1,905 | $379 - $709 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,963 - $5,308 | $1,284 - $2,494 | $404 - $800 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,735 - $7,504 | $1,750 - $3,227 | $509 - $965 |
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 | $486 - $4,050+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $100/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $110/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $324 - $1,296 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $81 - $324 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Los Angeles to Modesto
At 311 miles, your Los Angeles to Modesto 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 Los Angeles to Modesto. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 311 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Best California Movers is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Los Angeles to Modesto. They've been in business since 2019 (7 years of experience) and 98.3% of their 414 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Modesto to Los Angeles guide.
Considerations when moving from Los Angeles to Modesto
Cost of living: Los Angeles vs. Modesto
Comparing life in Los Angeles and Modesto goes beyond just looking at housing prices. We’ll break down key financial factors, like rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends, so you can get a clear picture of how living in Modesto stacks up against 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% |
- Rent prices in Modesto are 39% lower than in Los Angeles, meaning you'll likely have more room in your budget for savings, leisure, or other living expenses.
- Home prices in Modesto are 53% lower than in Los Angeles, making it easier for you to buy a home, secure an affordable mortgage, and still have money left for the things you care about most.
- Income levels in Los Angeles and Modesto are pretty similar, so you can count on consistent earning potential and simpler financial planning.
- Moving to Modesto means you’ll spend 60% less on living expenses than you would in Los Angeles. That puts more cash in your pocket to save, splurge, or invest as you please.
- If you’re relocating to Modesto, you’ll be glad to know the cost of living is 53% lower than in Los Angeles. That means you can stretch your budget further and possibly enjoy an even better quality of life after your move.
- The unemployment rate in Modesto is 25% lower than in Los Angeles, which suggests a stronger job market with more employment opportunities and greater economic stability.
- In Modesto, sales taxes are 7% lower than in Los Angeles, which means your budget for dining, shopping, and household purchases may stretch further.
If you’re used to living 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
Before you move, see how life stacks up in Modesto compared to Los Angeles. You should compare everything from weather and cost of living to politics, safety, and population. This side-by-side breakdown will help 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 sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll find that Modesto has about 94% fewer people than Los Angeles. Living in a smaller city often comes with perks like more tranquility, extra space, and lower costs. Just keep in mind you might miss some big-city amenities.
- Los Angeles and Modesto both voted Democratic in the last election.
- Summers in Modesto can soar to 94°F, much hotter than Los Angeles’s high of 84°F. If you’re moving somewhere warmer, be prepared to update your wardrobe, cooling solutions, budget, and even your daily habits to beat the heat.
- During winter, Modesto gets colder than Los Angeles, with average lows of 39°F compared to Los Angeles°F.
- Both Los Angeles and Modesto experience similar annual rainfall, with Los Angeles receiving 16 inches and Modesto getting 13 inches.
- Both Los Angeles and Modesto receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Crime is higher in Modesto (65.76) than in Los Angeles (53.81).
Things to do in Modesto
Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in Modesto.
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
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Los Angeles to Modesto?
Shipping furniture from Los Angeles to Modesto with a mover will cost between $1,098 and $3,716. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,963–$5,308, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Los Angeles to Modesto will cost from $2,735–$7,504.
How much are moving container companies from Los Angeles to Modesto?
If you're moving from Los Angeles to Modesto and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $723 to $1,693. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $1,284 and $2,494. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $1,750 up to $3,227.
How much is a moving truck from Los Angeles to Modesto?
If you want to keep costs down, renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just remember, you’ll be responsible for driving and all the heavy lifting. We’ve included estimated fuel costs in our pricing, so there are no surprises.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, you’ll usually spend between $375 and $689. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $404 to $800. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from Los Angeles to Modesto, truck rental prices typically range from $509 up to $965.
How far in advance should I book Los Angeles-to-Modesto movers?
For a smooth move from Los Angeles to Modesto, book your movers at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, try to secure your moving reservation three months ahead. Early booking not only increases your chances of getting your preferred date but can also help you snag lower rates. Some companies even throw in early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Modesto?
To score the best moving deals to Modesto, plan your move between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means you’ll spend less and have an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
