Modesto, CA to Pittsburgh, PA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Modesto to Pittsburgh typically costs $4,100–$9,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,563 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Modesto to Pittsburgh
Moving from Modesto, CA to Pittsburgh, PA typically costs $4,100–$9,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,563-mile move from Modesto to Pittsburgh, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- PODS recently quoted $2,652 for a studio apartment using a moving container.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $5,799 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $8,398 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Jan 31, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 31, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 29, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 25, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 14, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 10, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 12, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Nov 28, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Nov 27, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Nov 25, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Modesto to Pittsburgh
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,900, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $13,500.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Modesto, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,600–$4,500) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Pittsburgh, PA to Modesto, CA guide.
Best Modesto to Pittsburgh movers by type
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Modesto to Pittsburgh
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Modesto to Pittsburgh, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best CA→PA movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 372 California moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Modesto to Pittsburgh
Many movers find Pittsburgh easier on the wallet than Modesto - roughly 8% less for singles and 16% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,129 for one person in Pittsburgh versus $2,312 in Modesto. For a family of four, it's $5,011 compared with $5,946.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Modesto | Pittsburgh | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,446 | $1,710 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,467 | $2,917 |
| Average home value | $442,362 | $222,451 |
| Average income (per capita) | $67,011 | $54,306 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,312 | $2,129 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,946 | $5,011 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 7.1% |
| Sales tax | 8.88% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 3.07% |
- If you're heading to Pittsburgh from Modesto, you'll find that rent is roughly 17% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 50% less in Pittsburgh than in Modesto.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 19% lower in Pittsburgh compared to Modesto.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Pittsburgh. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 8% lower than in Modesto.
- Choosing to move to Pittsburgh can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 16% less than in Modesto.
- Pittsburgh enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 11% lower compared to Modesto, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 21% in Pittsburgh compared to Modesto, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 77% less in Pennsylvania than in California. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Modesto and Pittsburgh:
| Living Expense | Modesto | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $263.34 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $53.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.67 | $4.62 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.61 | $4.03 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $41.33 | $43.33 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Modesto than in Pittsburgh, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Modesto than in Pittsburgh.
- Eggs cost more in Modesto than in Pittsburgh.
- Bread costs less in Modesto than in Pittsburgh.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Modesto than in Pittsburgh.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Modesto than in Pittsburgh.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Modesto than in Pittsburgh.
How life is different in Modesto vs. Pittsburgh
| Modesto | Pittsburgh | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 303,255 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 48 | 62 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 55 |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 37.74 |
| Safety index | 34.24 | 62.26 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Pittsburgh's population is about 39% greater than Modesto.
- Pittsburgh's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Modesto's score of 5.
- Pittsburgh is more walkable than Modesto with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Modesto's 48 out of 100.
- With a score of 55 out of 100, Pittsburgh is more bike-friendly than Modesto, which has a score of 48 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Pittsburgh's crime rate is lower than Modesto with a score of 37.74 compared to Modesto's 65.76. This means that Pittsburgh neighborhoods are safer than 37.74% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Modesto neighborhoods are safer than 65.76%.
- Pittsburgh is considered to be safer than Modesto with a safety index of 62.26 vs Modesto's 34.24.
- Air quality in Pittsburgh is Good, and in Modesto it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Modesto to Pittsburgh move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: For decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUC’s website is no longer functioning. So if you’re moving within Pennsylvania, you’ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Pennsylvania moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Pennsylvania doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Pittsburgh. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Pittsburgh
Now that you've decided to make the move to Birmingham of America, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Pittsburgh.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Greenfield
- Oakland
- Polish Hill
- Shadyside
Best neighborhoods for families
- Brookline
- Highland Park
- Point Breeze
- Regent Square
- Squirrel Hill North
Things to do in Pittsburgh
Once you're settled into your new home in Pennsylvania, it's time to get out and discover what Pittsburgh has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Pittsburgh, such as the Duquesne Incline, Bicycle Heaven, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and The Andy Warhol Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Point State Park, Schenley Park, Frick Park, and West End - Elliot Overlook Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB)Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL)Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Championship) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Pittsburgh?
The best time to move from Modesto to Pittsburgh is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Modesto.
When is the cheapest time to move from Modesto to Pittsburgh?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Modesto to Pittsburgh, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Modesto to Pittsburgh take?
Moving from Modesto, CA to Pittsburgh, PA covers 2,563 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days. Need to move faster? Some Modesto movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Pittsburgh.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Modesto?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 10 movers in Modesto advertise piano moving expertise. 5 movers in Modesto provide antique moving services. State totals show 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
