Moving from Riverside to Modesto, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Riverside to Modesto costs between $401 to $7,758 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 363-mile route within California take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Riverside to Modesto
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Riverside to Modesto are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Riverside to driving and unloading in Modesto, 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 363 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,129 - $5,447 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,359 - $2,698 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $462 - $851 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Burgess Moving and Storage | $75/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 Riverside to Modesto?
It costs between $401 to $7,758 to move from Riverside to Modesto. The prices below break down your 363-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,273 - $7,758
- Moving containers: $1,063 - $3,171
- Rental trucks: $401 - $1,029
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,273 - $4,215 | $1,063 - $1,809 | $401 - $777 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,129 - $5,447 | $1,359 - $2,698 | $462 - $851 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,115 - $7,758 | $1,871 - $3,171 | $562 - $1,029 |
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 | $393 - $3,275+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $75/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $262 - $1,048 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $66 - $262 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Riverside to Modesto
At 363 miles, your Riverside to Modesto 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 Riverside to Modesto. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 363 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Riverside to Modesto. They've been in business since 2002 (24 years of experience) and 88.2% of their 51 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Modesto to Riverside guide.
Considerations when moving from Riverside to Modesto
Cost of living: Riverside vs. Modesto
Comparing life in Riverside and Modesto 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 Modesto stacks up against Riverside.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Riverside | Modesto | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,295 | $1,800 |
| Average home cost | $539,898 | $415,024 |
| Average income (per capita) | $88,575 | $77,899 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,573 | $2,312 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,604 | $5,946 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 8.0% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.75% | 8.88% |
- Rent prices in Modesto are 22% lower than in Riverside, meaning you'll likely have more room in your budget for savings, leisure, or other living expenses.
- Home prices in Modesto are 23% lower than in Riverside, making it easier for you to buy a home, secure an affordable mortgage, and still have money left for the things you care about most.
- Income in Modesto is 12% lower than in Riverside, which could mean a tighter budget, especially if local salaries don’t match up with the cost of living.
- Moving to Modesto means you’ll spend 10% less on living expenses than you would in Riverside. That puts more cash in your pocket to save, splurge, or invest as you please.
- If you’re moving your family to Modesto, expect living costs to be about 6% higher than in Riverside. Expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will probably go up, making Modesto a pricier choice for families.
- Unemployment in Modesto is 13% higher than in Riverside. 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 taxes match in Modesto and Riverside, so your day-to-day spending on taxable goods shouldn’t be affected by the move.
If you’re used to living on $3,000 a month in Riverside, you’d need roughly $2,700 to maintain the same lifestyle in Modesto.
How life is different in Riverside vs. Modesto
Before you move, see how life stacks up in Modesto compared to Riverside. 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.
| Riverside | Modesto | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 317,261 | 218,464 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 42ºF | 39ºF |
| Annual rain | 11" | 13" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 40.24 | 65.76 |
Modesto sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll find that Modesto has about 31% fewer people than Riverside. Living in a smaller city often comes with perks like more tranquility, extra space, and lower costs. Just keep in mind you might miss some big-city amenities.
- Riverside and Modesto both voted Democratic in the last election.
- Moving between Riverside and Modesto won’t bring major summer surprises. With highs near 94°F in both cities, your summer lifestyle should stay consistent.
- During the chilliest months, both Riverside and Modesto experience similar lows—expect 42°F in Riverside and 39°F in Modesto.
- Both Riverside and Modesto experience similar annual rainfall, with Riverside receiving 11 inches and Modesto getting 13 inches.
- Both Riverside and Modesto receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Crime is higher in Modesto (65.76) than in Riverside (40.24).
Things to do in Modesto
Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in Modesto.
Museums in Modesto
- Great Valley Museum
- McHenry Museum
- Mistlin Gallery
Parks in Modesto
- Tuolumne River Trail
Sports teams in Modesto
- Modesto Nuts (California League)
Universities in Modesto
- Modesto Junior College
- Community Business College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Riverside to Modesto?
Shipping furniture from Riverside to Modesto with a mover will cost between $1,127 and $3,545. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,129–$5,447, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Riverside to Modesto will cost from $3,115–$7,758.
How much are moving container companies from Riverside to Modesto?
If you're moving from Riverside to Modesto and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $788 to $1,795. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $1,359 and $2,698. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $1,871 up to $3,171.
How much is a moving truck from Riverside to Modesto?
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 $417 and $710. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $462 to $851. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from Riverside to Modesto, truck rental prices typically range from $562 up to $1,029.
How far in advance should I book Riverside-to-Modesto movers?
For a smooth move from Riverside to Modesto, 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 Modesto?
To score the best moving deals to Modesto, 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.
