Moving from Modesto to Irvine, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Modesto to Irvine costs between $409 to $7,837 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 356-mile route within California take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Modesto to Irvine
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Modesto to Irvine are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Modesto to driving and unloading in Irvine, 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 356 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,983 - $6,021 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,414 - $2,517 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $436 - $887 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Brewer Moving LLC | $128/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 Modesto to Irvine?
It costs between $409 to $7,837 to move from Modesto to Irvine. The prices below break down your 356-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,248 - $7,837
- Moving containers: $1,052 - $3,138
- Rental trucks: $409 - $1,050
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,248 - $4,304 | $1,052 - $1,904 | $409 - $747 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,983 - $6,021 | $1,414 - $2,517 | $436 - $887 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,279 - $7,837 | $1,853 - $3,138 | $534 - $1,050 |
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 | $348 - $2,900+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $128/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $120/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $232 - $928 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $58 - $232 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Modesto to Irvine
At 356 miles, your Modesto to Irvine 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 Modesto to Irvine. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 356 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Grace Moving Company is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Modesto to Irvine. They've been in business since 1999 (27 years of experience) and 91.6% of their 467 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Irvine to Modesto guide.
Considerations when moving from Modesto to Irvine
Cost of living: Modesto vs. Irvine
When comparing the cost of living between Modesto and Irvine, you need to look beyond housing prices. This section breaks down some key financial factors, including rent, home values, income, day-to-day expenses, and employment rates, to help you understand how life in Irvine stacks up against Modesto.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Modesto | Irvine | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,800 | $4,000 |
| Average home cost | $415,024 | $1,113,305 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,899 | $129,647 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,312 | $9,167 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,946 | $18,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 5.4% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.88% | 7.75% |
- Rent prices in Irvine are 122% higher than in Modesto. So, you’ll likely need to set aside more for housing, which could shrink your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Irvine are 168% higher than in Modesto, which could make buying a home more challenging. It might require a larger upfront investment and could increase your monthly mortgage payments.
- Salaries here average 66% higher than in Modesto. If your pay matches local rates, you could see a real boost to your financial well-being.
- Living expenses for one person in Irvine are 296% higher than in Modesto, so you'll probably need to tweak your budget to cover the extra expenses.
- Living costs here run about 203% higher than in Modesto. Essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare all come with a steeper price tag, making Irvine one of the more expensive cities for families.
- Unemployment in Irvine is 32% lower than in Modesto. That means you’ll enjoy a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
- Sales taxes are about 13% cheaper in Irvine than in Modesto, which can lighten your cost of living if you tend to spend more on taxable goods and services.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $11,880 in Irvine to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Modesto.
How life is different in Modesto vs. Irvine
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Irvine vs. Modesto. Everything from weather and the population to cost of living, politics, and safety can shape your day-to-day experience. Check out this side-by-side comparison to decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Modesto | Irvine | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 307,670 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 39ºF | 46ºF |
| Annual rain | 13" | 13" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 31.01 |
Irvine sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Irvine is around 41% bigger than Modesto. A move to a larger city brings more people, fresh opportunities, and richer cultural experiences, but also comes with higher living costs and a busier lifestyle. Whether that sounds thrilling or daunting really depends on what you’re looking for in your next home.
- In the last presidential election, both Modesto and Irvine voted Democratic.
- With summer highs at 82°F, Irvine is cooler than Modesto at 94°F. The change means easier summers and more chances to enjoy the outdoors.
- In the coldest months, Modesto gets chillier than Irvine, with lows dipping to 39°F while Irvine only drops to 46°F.
- Both Modesto and Irvine see about the same yearly rainfall—Modesto averages 13 inches, while Irvine gets 13 inches each year.
- Both Modesto and Irvine receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Irvine is safer than Modesto, boasting a lower crime index of 31.01 compared to Modesto’s 65.76.
Things to do in Irvine
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Irvine has you covered.
Museums in Irvine
- Pretend City Children's Museum
- Jack & Shanaz Langson Institute & Museum of California Art
- Museum of Woman
Parks in Irvine
- Orange County Great Park
- Adventure Playground
- William R. Mason Regional Park
- Turtle Rock Community Park
- Jeffrey Open Space Trail
Sports teams in Irvine
- UC Irvine Anteaters (Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball, Water Polo)
- Adult Basketball Leagues
- Adult Soccer Leagues
- Adult Softball Leagues
- Tennis League
Universities in Irvine
- University of California, Irvine
- California Southern University
- Concordia University
- Westcliff University
- Irvine Valley College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Modesto to Irvine?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Modesto to Irvine, expect to pay between $1,234 and $3,838 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $1,983 and $6,021. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $3,279 up to $7,837 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Modesto to Irvine?
If you’re moving from Modesto to Irvine and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $713 and go up to $1,777. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $1,414 and $2,517. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $1,853 and $3,138.
How much is a moving truck from Modesto to Irvine?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $421 to $777. A larger move will cost $436 to $887, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Modesto to Irvine costs from $534 to $1,050.
How far in advance should I book Modesto-to-Irvine movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Modesto to Irvine at least two months before your moving date. Planning a summer move? Aim for at least three months in advance, since that’s the busiest season. Locking in your Modesto-to-Irvine movers early not only helps you snag your preferred date, but it can also score you the best prices. Some moving companies even sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts when you book ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Irvine?
To save money on your move to Irvine, plan it between early October and late April. Moving outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
