Moving from Modesto to Santa Clarita, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Modesto to Santa Clarita costs between $372 to $7,548 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 282-mile route within California take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Modesto to Santa Clarita
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Modesto to Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita, 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 282 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,939 - $5,209 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,308 - $2,406 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $396 - $796 | 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 Santa Clarita?
It costs between $372 to $7,548 to move from Modesto to Santa Clarita. The prices below break down your 282-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,240 - $7,548
- Moving containers: $1,034 - $3,014
- Rental trucks: $372 - $922
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,240 - $4,367 | $1,034 - $1,859 | $372 - $673 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,939 - $5,209 | $1,308 - $2,406 | $396 - $796 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,788 - $7,548 | $1,709 - $3,014 | $470 - $922 |
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 Santa Clarita
At 282 miles, your Modesto to Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 282 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Grace Moving Company is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Modesto to Santa Clarita. 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 Santa Clarita to Modesto guide.
Considerations when moving from Modesto to Santa Clarita
Cost of living: Modesto vs. Santa Clarita
Comparing life in Modesto and Santa Clarita goes beyond just looking at housing prices. We’ll break down key financial factors, like rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends, so you can get a clear picture of how living in Santa Clarita stacks up against Modesto.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Modesto | Santa Clarita | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,800 | $3,295 |
| Average home cost | $415,024 | $722,430 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,899 | $119,926 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,312 | $3,290 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,946 | $6,722 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 9.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.88% | 9.5% |
- Rent prices in Santa Clarita are 83% higher than in Modesto. You can expect to pay more for housing, which could leave you with less money for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Santa Clarita are 74% higher than in Modesto. That means you might face a steeper down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- Income in Santa Clarita is 54% higher than in Modesto, which could mean greater earning potential and improved financial stability, especially if your salary aligns with the local average.
- Cost of living for one person is 42% higher in Santa Clarita compared to Modesto. Make sure to adjust your budget to account for these higher expenses.
- If you’re moving your family to Santa Clarita, expect living costs to be about 13% higher than in Modesto. Expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will probably go up, making Santa Clarita a pricier choice for families.
- Unemployment in Santa Clarita is 20% higher than in Modesto. So, finding work may be more challenging, and job stability could be less reliable, especially if you’re relocating without having a job lined up.
- Sales tax in Santa Clarita is 7% higher than in Modesto, so expect to spend a bit more on things like meals, shopping, and other taxable purchases.
If you’re used to living on $3,000 a month in Modesto, you’d need roughly $4,260 to maintain the same lifestyle in Santa Clarita.
How life is different in Modesto vs. Santa Clarita
Before you move, see how life stacks up in Santa Clarita compared to Modesto. You should compare everything from weather and cost of living to politics, safety, and population. This side-by-side breakdown will help you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.
| Modesto | Santa Clarita | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 228,673 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 89ºF |
| Winter low | 39ºF | 46ºF |
| Annual rain | 13" | 18" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 35.92 |
Santa Clarita sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Moving from Modesto to Santa Clarita might seem straightforward since both cities are similarly sized, but don’t let that fool you. The real differences lie in each city's atmosphere, job market, layout, and living costs. Those are the things you’ll really feel.
- Modesto and Santa Clarita both voted Democratic in the last election.
- Moving between Modesto and Santa Clarita won’t bring major summer surprises. With highs near 89°F in both cities, your summer lifestyle should stay consistent.
- In the coldest months, Modesto sees lower temperatures than Santa Clarita, dropping to 39°F while Santa Clarita only falls to 46°F.
- Both Modesto and Santa Clarita experience similar annual rainfall, with Modesto receiving 13 inches and Santa Clarita getting 18 inches.
- Both Modesto and Santa Clarita receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- You’ll feel safer in Santa Clarita, thanks to its lower crime index (35.92) compared to Modesto (65.76).
Things to do in Santa Clarita
Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in Santa Clarita.
Museums in Santa Clarita
- William S. Hart Museum & Ranch
- Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio
- The Olde World Emporium
Parks in Santa Clarita
- Santa Clarita Woodlands Park
Sports teams in Santa Clarita
- FC Santa Clarita
- i9 Sports Santa Clarita (flag football, soccer, baseball, basketball)
- Santa Clarita Sports Center (soccer)
- Santa Clarita Youth Sports (basketball, flag football, T-Ball/Softball, Volleyball)
Universities in Santa Clarita
- California Institute of the Arts
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Modesto to Santa Clarita?
Shipping furniture from Modesto to Santa Clarita with a mover will cost between $1,142 and $3,693. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,939–$5,209, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Modesto to Santa Clarita will cost from $2,788–$7,548.
How much are moving container companies from Modesto to Santa Clarita?
If you're moving from Modesto to Santa Clarita and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $750 to $1,686. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $1,308 and $2,406. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $1,709 up to $3,014.
How much is a moving truck from Modesto to Santa Clarita?
If you want to keep costs down, renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just remember, you’ll be responsible for driving and all the heavy lifting. We’ve included estimated fuel costs in our pricing, so there are no surprises.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, you’ll usually spend between $357 and $666. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $396 to $796. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from Modesto to Santa Clarita, truck rental prices typically range from $470 up to $922.
How far in advance should I book Modesto-to-Santa Clarita movers?
For a smooth move from Modesto to Santa Clarita, book your movers at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, try to secure your moving reservation three months ahead. Early booking not only increases your chances of getting your preferred date but can also help you snag lower rates. Some companies even throw in early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Santa Clarita?
To score the best moving deals to Santa Clarita, plan your move between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means you’ll spend less and have an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
