Modesto to San Jose Movers & Costs (2026)
The cost to move from Modesto to San Jose, CA (~82 miles) typically ranges from $79 to $3,634.
Local movers such as Grace Moving Company, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.52 out of 5 stars across 671 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $128/hr per mover, with a typical 2 - 3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
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November is a low-cost month to move in Modesto
Mover demand is low and schedules are flexible. This is one of the best times of year to lock in a competitive rate.
What are the best ways to move from Modesto to San Jose?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Modesto to San Jose are regulated by California law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid California intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.
This is a local move, typically billed hourly by California companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.
For full-service moves, we recommend Grace Moving Company (4.52/5) as the top local pick, followed by Pete's Moving Services (4.56/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most Modesto to San Jose moves complete in 1 - 2 days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 1,154+ California movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Modesto to San Jose?
The cost to move from Modesto to San Jose ranges from $79 to $3,634*, according to moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset.
Here's what to expect depending on which moving service you pick and how much you're hauling:
- Full-service movers: $512 - $3,634
- Moving containers: $527 - $1,737
- Rental trucks: $79 - $151
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves cover packing, loading, transport, and unloading end-to-end. Professional packing on its own adds $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower your costs because you handle the loading and unloading while the company handles the drive.
- Rental trucks come in roughly 30% cheaper than full-service, but you have to drive the truck yourself and find or hire moving labor.
- Running quotes through moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% versus their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $512 - $2,600 | $527 - $942 | $79 - $122 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $949 - $3,031 | $737 - $1,424 | $91 - $143 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,352 - $3,634 | $942 - $1,737 | $108 - $151 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 1,154+ California moving companies, and are updated as of November 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
Learn more about the cost of Modesto, CA movers.
How Modesto to San Jose moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $128 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $1,532.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:
Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Modesto to San Jose
Moving from Modesto to San Jose is a job for local and regional California movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. Grace Moving Company leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.52 out of 5 stars across 671 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Modesto to San Jose
Local movers operating within California know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.
rating
4.52 / 5
- Years in Business: 27
- 94% positive reviews
- BBB: A
rating
4.56 / 5
- Years in Business: 13
- 92% positive reviews
- BBB: A+
rating
4.42 / 5
- Years in Business: 25
- 76% positive reviews
- BBB: A+
Our top local picks:
- Grace Moving Company (4.52/5 stars): 93.7% positive customer ratings.
- Pete's Moving Services (4.56/5 stars): 91.8% positive customer ratings.
- Casey Moving Systems (4.42/5 stars): 76.1% positive customer ratings.
- Big Island Movers (4.38/5 stars): 94.2% positive customer ratings.
- Brewer Moving LLC (4.28/5 stars): 97.0% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 25 movers in Modesto, drawing on 6,022 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Modesto to San Jose
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
rating
4.9 / 5
- Best overall value
- Veteran owned
- Portion to charity
rating
4.9 / 5
- Certified crews
- Flat-rate pricing
- Family-owned
rating
4.8 / 5
- 1,800 trucks
- Storage available
- Customized moving plans
Our top national picks:
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
- North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
- International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.
More popular routes from Modesto, CA
Modesto residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More California moving resources
How does San Jose compare to Modesto?
Cost of living: Modesto vs. San Jose
A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.
| Modesto | San Jose | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,800 | $3,095 |
| Average home cost | $415,024 | $1,184,000 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,899 | $141,565 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,312 | $3,674 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,946 | $8,354 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 6.6% |
| Average sales tax | 8.88% | 9.38% |
Cost-of-living data for Modesto and San Jose comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated November 2026 across 1,154+ California moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in San Jose are 72% higher than in Modesto. A renter relocating without a salary increase will see roughly 72% more of monthly income absorbed by housing.
- Home prices in San Jose are 185% higher than Modesto. Existing homeowners trading up to similar square footage face a meaningful jump in down payment and monthly mortgage.
- Average income in San Jose is 82% higher than Modesto. Negotiating a cost-of-living raise is realistic if you're transferring within the same employer.
- Cost of living for one person in San Jose is 59% higher than Modesto. Plan to add roughly 59% to your current monthly budget for a like-for-like lifestyle.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in San Jose is 40% higher than Modesto. Childcare, healthcare, and housing typically drive the gap.
- Unemployment in San Jose runs 18% lower than Modesto. Hiring is more competitive, which typically supports faster offers and wage growth.
- Sales taxes in San Jose are 6% higher than Modesto. The difference adds up on big-ticket purchases like appliances, electronics, and furniture.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,770 in San Jose to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Modesto.
How life is different in Modesto vs. San Jose
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in San Jose might look different from Modesto in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| Modesto | San Jose | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 971,233 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 73-25 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 39ºF | 42ºF |
| Annual rain | 13" | 17" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 47.73 |
Did you know: Summer moves in California can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 20% of movers in California, vs 23% nationally).
- San Jose is 345% larger in size than Modesto. Larger metros offer deeper job markets and more amenities, but cost of living and commute times typically rise with size.
- In the last presidential election, both Modesto and San Jose voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in San Jose top out at 82°F, vs. 94°F in Modesto. Lower cooling costs and longer comfortable outdoor windows are the practical upside.
- Winter lows in Modesto (39°F) and San Jose (42°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Modesto (13 inches) and San Jose (17 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in Modesto and San Jose is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime index in San Jose (47.73) is lower than Modesto (65.76). Lower property crime typically translates to lower home insurance premiums and broader housing options.
Things to do in San Jose
Adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and college campuses define San Jose's lifestyle profile. The categories below highlight where to start.
Museums in San Jose
- Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
- Children's Discovery Museum
- The Tech Interactive
- San Jose Museum of Art
- New Almaden Mercury Mining Museum
Parks in San Jose
- Almaden Quicksilver County Park
- Alum Rock Park
- Emma Prusch Farm Park
- Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park
- Joseph D. Grant County Park
Sports teams in San Jose
- San Jose Barracuda (AHL)
- San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
- San Jose Giants (California League)
- San Jose Sharks (NHL)
Universities in San Jose
- San Jose State University
- San Jose City College
- Evergreen Valley College
- International Technological University
- WestMed College
Final verdict: Modesto to San Jose movers
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide California service. For smaller moves, Grace Moving Company (4.52/5) is the top local choice, with 93.7% positive reviews across 671 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $79 - $3,634, based on our analysis of 1,154+ California movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Modesto to San Jose
Is moving from Modesto to San Jose considered a long-distance move?
A move from Modesto to San Jose is classified as an intrastate move, governed by California law rather than federal DOT rules for interstate moves. Most full-service movers price intrastate moves over 50 miles by weight and mileage rather than an hourly rate. Confirm your mover holds a valid California intrastate operating authority, not just a USDOT number, before signing.
How long does a move from Modesto to San Jose take?
Most moves from Modesto to San Jose take 1 - 2 days from pickup to delivery. Same-day or next-day delivery is common on intrastate routes like this one, and getting your delivery date in writing gives you a binding guarantee. Add 4 - 8 hours for professional packing of a 2 - 3 bedroom home before the truck departs.
What percentage of Modesto movers handle piano or antique moves?
About 40% of movers in Modesto handle piano moves, and 13% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.
How many movers in Modesto offer labor-only help?
16% of movers in Modesto offer labor-only help for loading or unloading a truck or container you rent yourself, compared to 29% nationally.
Do movers in California offer storage?
59% of movers in California offer storage, including storage-in-transit for when your new place isn't ready when the truck arrives, compared to 60% nationally.