Moving from Modesto to San Francisco, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Modesto to San Francisco costs between $102 to $4,556 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 89-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Modesto to San Francisco
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Modesto to San Francisco 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 San Francisco, 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 89 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,228 - $3,506 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $870 - $1,682 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $108 - $182 | 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 San Francisco?
It costs between $102 to $4,556 to move from Modesto to San Francisco. The prices below break down your 89-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $648 - $4,556
- Moving containers: $689 - $2,155
- Rental trucks: $102 - $202
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $648 - $2,949 | $689 - $1,193 | $102 - $159 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,228 - $3,506 | $870 - $1,682 | $108 - $182 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,781 - $4,556 | $1,181 - $2,155 | $126 - $202 |
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 San Francisco
At 89 miles, your Modesto to San Francisco 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 San Francisco. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 89 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Grace Moving Company is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Modesto to San Francisco. 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 San Francisco to Modesto guide.
Considerations when moving from Modesto to San Francisco
Cost of living: Modesto vs. San Francisco
When comparing the cost of living between Modesto and San Francisco, 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 San Francisco stacks up against Modesto.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Modesto | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,800 | $3,250 |
| Average home cost | $415,024 | $1,374,773 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,899 | $141,446 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,312 | $3,781 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,946 | $8,717 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 5.4% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.88% | 8.63% |
- Rent prices in San Francisco are 81% 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 San Francisco are 231% 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 82% 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 San Francisco are 64% higher than in Modesto, so you'll probably need to tweak your budget to cover the extra expenses.
- Living costs here run about 47% higher than in Modesto. Essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare all come with a steeper price tag, making San Francisco one of the more expensive cities for families.
- Unemployment in San Francisco 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.
- Since sales taxes are the same in San Francisco 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 $4,920 in San Francisco to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Modesto.
How life is different in Modesto vs. San Francisco
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in San Francisco 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 | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 808,988 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 85-13 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 67ºF |
| Winter low | 39ºF | 46ºF |
| Annual rain | 13" | 25" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 61.41 |
San Francisco sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- San Francisco is around 270% 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 San Francisco voted Democratic.
- With summer highs at 67°F, San Francisco 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 San Francisco, with lows dipping to 39°F while San Francisco only drops to 46°F.
- San Francisco typically gets more rain than Modesto, with an average annual rainfall of 25 inches compared to Modesto’s 13 inches.
- Both Modesto and San Francisco receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- San Francisco is safer than Modesto, boasting a lower crime index of 61.41 compared to Modesto’s 65.76.
Things to do in San Francisco
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? San Francisco has you covered.
Museums in San Francisco
- Exploratorium
- California Academy of Sciences
- Walt Disney Family Museum
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
- Legion of Honor
Parks in San Francisco
- Golden Gate Park
- Presidio of San Francisco
- Mission Dolores Park
- Crissy Field
- Yerba Buena Gardens
Sports teams in San Francisco
- San Francisco 49ers (NFL)
- San Francisco Giants (MLB)
- Golden State Warriors (NBA)
Universities in San Francisco
- City College of San Francisco
- San Francisco State University
- University of California, Hastings College of the Law
- University of California, San Francisco
- Academy of Art University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Modesto to San Francisco?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Modesto to San Francisco, expect to pay between $594 and $2,635 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $1,228 and $3,506. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $1,781 up to $4,556 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Modesto to San Francisco?
If you’re moving from Modesto to San Francisco and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $481 and go up to $1,138. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $870 and $1,682. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $1,181 and $2,155.
How much is a moving truck from Modesto to San Francisco?
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 $102 to $151. A larger move will cost $108 to $182, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Modesto to San Francisco costs from $126 to $202.
How far in advance should I book Modesto-to-San Francisco movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Modesto to San Francisco 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-San Francisco 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 San Francisco?
To save money on your move to San Francisco, 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.
