Moving from San Bernardino to Modesto, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from San Bernardino to Modesto costs between $393 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 365-mile route within California take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from San Bernardino to Modesto
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from San Bernardino to Modesto are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in San Bernardino 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 365 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,066 - $5,619 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,387 - $2,724 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $462 - $869 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Alex Moving and Storage | $110/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 San Bernardino to Modesto?
It costs between $393 to $7,758 to move from San Bernardino to Modesto. The prices below break down your 365-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,222 - $7,758
- Moving containers: $1,020 - $3,435
- Rental trucks: $393 - $1,039
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,222 - $4,526 | $1,020 - $1,828 | $393 - $710 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,066 - $5,619 | $1,387 - $2,724 | $462 - $869 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,312 - $7,758 | $1,817 - $3,435 | $562 - $1,039 |
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 | $357 - $2,975+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $110/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $238 - $952 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $60 - $238 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from San Bernardino to Modesto
At 365 miles, your San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino to Modesto. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 365 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino guide.
Considerations when moving from San Bernardino to Modesto
Cost of living: San Bernardino vs. Modesto
Comparing life in San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| San Bernardino | Modesto | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,950 | $1,800 |
| Average home cost | $381,380 | $415,024 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,988 | $77,899 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,054 | $2,312 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,469 | $5,946 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 8.0% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.75% | 8.88% |
- Rent prices in Modesto are 8% lower than in San Bernardino, meaning you'll likely have more room in your budget for savings, leisure, or other living expenses.
- Home prices in Modesto are 9% higher than in San Bernardino. That means you might face a steeper down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- Income in Modesto is 22% higher than in San Bernardino, 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 13% higher in Modesto compared to San Bernardino. Make sure to adjust your budget to account for these higher expenses.
- If you’re moving your family to Modesto, expect living costs to be about 33% higher than in San Bernardino. Expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will probably go up, making Modesto a pricier choice for families.
- The unemployment rate in Modesto is 25% lower than in San Bernardino, which suggests a stronger job market with more employment opportunities and greater economic stability.
- Sales taxes match in Modesto and San Bernardino, 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 San Bernardino, you’d need roughly $3,390 to maintain the same lifestyle in Modesto.
How life is different in San Bernardino vs. Modesto
Before you move, see how life stacks up in Modesto compared to San Bernardino. 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.
| San Bernardino | Modesto | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 222,101 | 218,464 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 95ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 42ºF | 39ºF |
| Annual rain | 13" | 13" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 73.87 | 65.76 |
Modesto sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Moving from San Bernardino to Modesto 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.
- San Bernardino and Modesto both voted Democratic in the last election.
- Moving between San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino and Modesto experience similar lows—expect 42°F in San Bernardino and 39°F in Modesto.
- Both San Bernardino and Modesto experience similar annual rainfall, with San Bernardino receiving 13 inches and Modesto getting 13 inches.
- Both San Bernardino and Modesto receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- You’ll feel safer in Modesto, thanks to its lower crime index (65.76) compared to San Bernardino (73.87).
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 San Bernardino to Modesto?
Shipping furniture from San Bernardino to Modesto with a mover will cost between $1,211 and $3,801. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,066–$5,619, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from San Bernardino to Modesto will cost from $3,312–$7,758.
How much are moving container companies from San Bernardino to Modesto?
If you're moving from San Bernardino to Modesto and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $720 to $1,849. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $1,387 and $2,724. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $1,817 up to $3,435.
How much is a moving truck from San Bernardino 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 $409 and $762. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $462 to $869. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from San Bernardino to Modesto, truck rental prices typically range from $562 up to $1,039.
How far in advance should I book San Bernardino-to-Modesto movers?
For a smooth move from San Bernardino 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.
