Moving from Modesto to Ontario, CA
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: Moving from Modesto to Ontario 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 346-mile route within California take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Modesto to Ontario
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Modesto to Ontario 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 Ontario, 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 346 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,127 - $5,519 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,342 - $2,480 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $410 - $833 | 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 Ontario?
It costs between $378 to $7,906 to move from Modesto to Ontario. The prices below break down your 346-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,305 - $7,906
- Moving containers: $1,091 - $3,119
- Rental trucks: $378 - $1,028
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,305 - $4,193 | $1,091 - $1,784 | $378 - $704 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,127 - $5,519 | $1,342 - $2,480 | $410 - $833 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,079 - $7,906 | $1,721 - $3,119 | $509 - $1,028 |
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 Ontario
At 346 miles, your Modesto to Ontario 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 Ontario. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 346 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Grace Moving Company is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Modesto to Ontario. 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 Ontario to Modesto guide.
Considerations when moving from Modesto to Ontario
Cost of living: Modesto vs. Ontario
When comparing the cost of living between Modesto and Ontario, 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 Ontario stacks up against Modesto.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Modesto | Ontario | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,800 | $2,619 |
| Average home cost | $415,024 | $564,076 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,899 | $82,806 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,312 | $2,473 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,946 | $5,793 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 6.9% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.88% | 8.75% |
- Rent prices in Ontario are 46% 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 Ontario are 36% 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 6% 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 Ontario are 7% higher than in Modesto, so you'll probably need to tweak your budget to cover the extra expenses.
- Your cost of living in Ontario will be roughly the same as it was in Modesto, so your budget should stay on track after the move.
- Unemployment in Ontario is 14% lower than in Modesto. That means you’ll enjoy a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
- Since sales taxes are the same in Ontario and Modesto, you won’t see a difference in how much you pay for everyday taxable expenses.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,210 in Ontario to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Modesto.
How life is different in Modesto vs. Ontario
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Ontario 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 | Ontario | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 175,265 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 92ºF |
| Winter low | 39ºF | 43ºF |
| Annual rain | 13" | 16" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 50.25 |
Ontario sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that Ontario has about 20% fewer people than Modesto. Moving to a smaller city usually means more tranquility, extra room, and lower expenses, though you might give up some big-city conveniences.
- In the last presidential election, both Modesto and Ontario voted Democratic.
- Both Ontario and Modesto average summer highs close to 92°F. That means your daily rhythm in summer should feel familiar after the move.
- During the coldest part of the year, both Modesto and Ontario experience similar winter lows, with Modesto reaching 39°F and Ontario getting down to 43°F.
- Both Modesto and Ontario see about the same yearly rainfall—Modesto averages 13 inches, while Ontario gets 16 inches each year.
- Both Modesto and Ontario receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Ontario is safer than Modesto, boasting a lower crime index of 50.25 compared to Modesto’s 65.76.
Things to do in Ontario
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Ontario has you covered.
Museums in Ontario
- Museum of History and Art, Ontario
Parks in Ontario
- Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park
Sports teams in Ontario
- Ontario Reign (Hockey)
- Ontario Professional Baseball (Dodgers Affiliate - 2026)
Universities in Ontario
- University of La Verne
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Modesto to Ontario?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Modesto to Ontario, expect to pay between $1,119 and $3,596 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $2,127 and $5,519. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $3,079 up to $7,906 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Modesto to Ontario?
If you’re moving from Modesto to Ontario and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $755 and go up to $1,700. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $1,342 and $2,480. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $1,721 and $3,119.
How much is a moving truck from Modesto to Ontario?
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 $398 to $725. A larger move will cost $410 to $833, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Modesto to Ontario costs from $509 to $1,028.
How far in advance should I book Modesto-to-Ontario movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Modesto to Ontario 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-Ontario 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 Ontario?
To save money on your move to Ontario, 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.
