Moving from Modesto to Long Beach, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Modesto to Long Beach costs between $378 to $7,906 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 335-mile route within California take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Modesto to Long Beach
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Modesto to Long Beach 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 Long Beach, 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 335 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,924 - $5,407 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,275 - $2,505 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $427 - $816 | 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 Long Beach?
It costs between $378 to $7,906 to move from Modesto to Long Beach. The prices below break down your 335-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,180 - $7,906
- Moving containers: $997 - $3,412
- Rental trucks: $378 - $988
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,180 - $4,502 | $997 - $1,951 | $378 - $711 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,924 - $5,407 | $1,275 - $2,505 | $427 - $816 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,018 - $7,906 | $1,757 - $3,412 | $525 - $988 |
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 Long Beach
At 335 miles, your Modesto to Long Beach 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 Long Beach. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 335 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Grace Moving Company is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Modesto to Long Beach. 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 Long Beach to Modesto guide.
Considerations when moving from Modesto to Long Beach
Cost of living: Modesto vs. Long Beach
When comparing the cost of living between Modesto and Long Beach, 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 Long Beach stacks up against Modesto.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Modesto | Long Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,800 | $2,075 |
| Average home cost | $415,024 | $762,188 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,899 | $83,969 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,312 | $2,681 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,946 | $6,051 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 5.2% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.88% | 10.25% |
- Rent prices in Long Beach are 15% 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 Long Beach are 84% 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 8% 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 Long Beach are 16% higher than in Modesto, so you'll probably need to tweak your budget to cover the extra expenses.
- Your cost of living in Long Beach will be roughly the same as it was in Modesto, so your budget should stay on track after the move.
- Unemployment in Long Beach is 35% 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 run 15% higher in Long Beach than in Modesto, so you should plan on higher costs for regular taxable purchases.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,480 in Long Beach to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Modesto.
How life is different in Modesto vs. Long Beach
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Long Beach 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 | Long Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 451,307 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 51-46 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 79ºF |
| Winter low | 39ºF | 46ºF |
| Annual rain | 13" | 14" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 58.58 |
Long Beach sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Long Beach is around 107% 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 Long Beach voted Democratic.
- With summer highs at 79°F, Long Beach 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 Long Beach, with lows dipping to 39°F while Long Beach only drops to 46°F.
- Both Modesto and Long Beach see about the same yearly rainfall—Modesto averages 13 inches, while Long Beach gets 14 inches each year.
- Both Modesto and Long Beach receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Long Beach is safer than Modesto, boasting a lower crime index of 58.58 compared to Modesto’s 65.76.
Things to do in Long Beach
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Long Beach has you covered.
Museums in Long Beach
- The Queen Mary
- Museum of Latin American Art
- Rancho Los Cerritos
- Long Beach Museum of Art
- Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum
Parks in Long Beach
- Bluff Park
- Rainbow Lagoon Park
- Bixby Park
- El Dorado Park West
Sports teams in Long Beach
Universities in Long Beach
- California State University, Long Beach
- Long Beach City College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Modesto to Long Beach?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Modesto to Long Beach, expect to pay between $1,108 and $3,596 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $1,924 and $5,407. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $3,018 up to $7,906 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Modesto to Long Beach?
If you’re moving from Modesto to Long Beach and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $718 and go up to $1,841. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $1,275 and $2,505. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $1,757 and $3,412.
How much is a moving truck from Modesto to Long Beach?
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 $410 to $732. A larger move will cost $427 to $816, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Modesto to Long Beach costs from $525 to $988.
How far in advance should I book Modesto-to-Long Beach movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Modesto to Long Beach 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-Long Beach 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 Long Beach?
To save money on your move to Long Beach, 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.
