San Francisco to Modesto Movers & Costs (2026)
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A San Francisco to Modesto, CA move (~89 miles) runs $103–$4,597 across all service types.
Local movers such as NorthStar Moving Company, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.66 out of 5 stars across 1,172 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $150/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.
July availability is going fast in San Francisco
Summer is the busiest time to move. Prices run 20–30% above the annual average and movers fill weeks in advance. Book now to secure your preferred date.
What are the best ways to move from San Francisco to Modesto?
At 89 miles, this is a local move, billed hourly by most California companies. You don't need a national carrier to handle it, though they're an option for larger homes or complex logistics. A local or regional mover working this corridor will typically give you faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive hourly pricing.
For full-service moves, we recommend NorthStar Moving Company (4.66/5) as the top local pick, followed by Pure Moving Company (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 for your 89-mile move:
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | NorthStar Moving Company | $1,302–$3,759 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $979–$1,819 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $109–$195 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Good Green Moving | $150/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 370+ California movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from San Francisco to Modesto?
A move from San Francisco to Modesto runs $103 to $4,597, per moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Costs on this 89-mile route shift based on service type and home size, with the breakdown below:
- Full-service movers: $647–$4,597
- Moving containers: $674–$2,155
- Rental trucks: $103–$196
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves combine packing, loading, transport, and unloading in one quote. Professional packing alone runs $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower the cost by putting the loading and unloading on you while the company handles transport.
- Rental trucks land roughly 30% under full-service pricing, but you drive 89 miles and source your own labor.
- Movers using moveBuddha's cost calculator typically save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $647–$3,194 | $674–$1,265 | $103–$162 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,302–$3,759 | $979–$1,819 | $109–$195 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,745–$4,597 | $1,143–$2,155 | $135–$196 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 370+ California moving companies, and are updated as of Jul 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 San Francisco, CA movers.
What extra fees should you expect on a San Francisco to Modesto move?
Common extra fees on a San Francisco to Modesto move include professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. None of these typically appear on initial quotes, but together they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $150/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $200 minimum | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75–$500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150–$400 per item | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
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 San Francisco to Modesto
At 89 miles, this route is well within the range of local and regional California movers. For most home sizes, a local mover bills hourly and can deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead of a national carrier. NorthStar Moving Company leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.66 out of 5 stars across 1,172 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers for this route
Local movers operating within California specialize in intrastate logistics, California regulations, and same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. At 89 miles, they are often priced the same as or cheaper than national operators, and scheduling flexibility is significantly better.
moveBuddha scored 88 San Francisco movers drawing on 32,231 verified customer reviews. Rankings factor in BBB rating, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
rating
- NorthStar Moving Company at 4.66 out of 5 stars across 1,172 verified reviews. 91.6% of customers rate them positively.
- Pure Moving Company at 4.56 out of 5 stars across 1,008 verified reviews. 97.6% of customers rate them positively.
- Good Green Moving at 4.5 out of 5 stars across 341 verified reviews. 88.6% of customers rate them positively.
- Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. at 4.62 out of 5 stars across 634 verified reviews. 86.9% of customers rate them positively.
- Gentle Giant Moving Company at 4.58 out of 5 stars across 130 verified reviews. 94.6% of customers rate them positively.
National carriers also available for this route
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is moveBuddha's 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.
moveBuddha's top national full-service movers:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
More popular routes from San Francisco, CA
San Francisco residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More California moving resources
What to know about moving from San Francisco to Modesto
Intrastate move: what that means for you
Because San Francisco and Modesto are both in California, this is an intrastate move, regulated by California law, not federal DOT rules that govern interstate (state-to-state) moves. California movers handling intrastate jobs must hold a valid California intrastate operating authority in addition to any USDOT number. When comparing quotes, confirm each mover is licensed for intrastate work in California, not just for crossing state lines. A carrier with a USDOT number but no California intrastate authority cannot legally haul your belongings on this route.
Delivery timing on this route
At 89 miles, most San Francisco-to-Modesto moves complete in 1–2 days from pickup to drop-off. Full-service movers working this corridor frequently offer same-day delivery for smaller homes, and next-day delivery is standard for most 2–3 bedroom jobs. If you need a guaranteed delivery date, get it in writing before signing. Intrastate movers can commit to tighter windows than long-haul interstate carriers who work on spread delivery dates. Packing a 2–3 bedroom home takes 4–8 hours on top of transit time, so factor that into your move-day schedule.
Building and access requirements
High-rise apartments and managed communities in San Francisco and Modesto commonly require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your moving company before granting elevator or loading dock access. Request the COI from your mover at least 1 week before moving day and forward it to your building manager. Confirm elevator reservation windows, parking permits for moving trucks, and any building-specific moving hours at both the origin and destination. Showing up without a COI or outside the permitted window can result in same-day delay fees of $150–$400 or rescheduling.
California summer heat and fragile items
Summer moves in California expose belongings to temperatures that can exceed 120°F inside a closed truck. Electronics, candles, vinyl records, wine, wood furniture, and musical instruments are all vulnerable. If your move falls between June and August, discuss heat-sensitive items with your mover before loading day. Request an early-morning start. Trucks loaded by 8 a.m. avoid peak afternoon heat during transit. Climate-controlled storage at the destination is worth the added cost for items that can't tolerate extreme heat during an overnight hold.
Pre-move checklist for a San Francisco to Modesto move:
- Verify your mover holds California intrastate operating authority (not just a USDOT number).
- Request a COI from your mover at least 7 days before moving day for both buildings.
- Confirm elevator and loading dock reservations at origin and destination.
- Ask for a guaranteed delivery date in writing. Intrastate carriers can commit to same or next day.
- For summer moves, schedule an early-morning start and flag heat-sensitive items in advance.
- Compare at least 3 quotes using moveBuddha's cost calculator. Movers who use it save an average of 30% versus their first quote.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Modesto to San Francisco guide.
How does Modesto compare to San Francisco?
Cost of living: San Francisco vs. Modesto
The cost of living in San Francisco vs. Modesto goes beyond housing prices. This section breaks down the financial factors that shape your day-to-day budget, including rent, home values, income, daily expenses, and employment rates, so you can see how life in Modesto stacks up against San Francisco.
Check out how the 2 cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| San Francisco | Modesto | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,250 | $1,800 |
| Average home cost | $1,374,773 | $415,024 |
| Average income (per capita) | $141,446 | $77,899 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,781 | $2,312 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,717 | $5,946 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 8.0% |
| Average sales tax | 8.63% | 8.88% |
Cost-of-living data for San Francisco and Modesto comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated July 2026 across 370+ California cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent in Modesto is about 45% cheaper than San Francisco. Renters often use the difference to upgrade location, size, or building amenities.
- Home prices in Modesto are 70% lower than San Francisco. Equity from a San Francisco sale typically buys more square footage in Modesto.
- Average income in Modesto is 45% lower than San Francisco. Confirm the move pencils out by checking whether housing and daily expenses drop by a similar margin.
- Cost of living for one person in Modesto is 39% lower than San Francisco. Apply the difference to debt paydown, retirement, or lifestyle upgrades.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Modesto is 32% lower than San Francisco. Most households convert the savings into housing upgrades, college savings, or retirement contributions.
- Unemployment in Modesto runs 48% higher than San Francisco. Time the move around a job offer rather than relocating speculatively.
- Sales taxes are equal in Modesto and San Francisco. Retail spending remains level through the move.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,830 in Modesto to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in San Francisco.
How life is different in San Francisco vs. Modesto
Life in Modesto vs. San Francisco differs across weather, population, cost of living, politics, and safety. All of these factors shape your day-to-day experience. The side-by-side comparison below helps you decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| San Francisco | Modesto | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 808,988 | 218,464 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 85-13 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 67ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 46ºF | 39ºF |
| Annual rain | 25" | 13" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 61.41 | 65.76 |
- Modesto is 73% smaller in size than San Francisco. Plan for lower density and a more concentrated local job market.
- In the last presidential election, both San Francisco and Modesto voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in Modesto reach 94°F, vs. 67°F in San Francisco. The hotter climate shifts outdoor activities to mornings and evenings.
- Winter lows in Modesto hit 39°F, colder than San Francisco's 46°F. Heating loads, winter wardrobe, and home weatherization budgets all rise.
- Annual rainfall in San Francisco is 25 inches, vs. 13 inches in Modesto. The drier climate in Modesto typically supports more outdoor lifestyle and less wet-weather gear.
- Annual snowfall in San Francisco and Modesto is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime index in Modesto (65.76) is higher than San Francisco (61.41). Vet specific neighborhoods carefully and check property crime rates at the ZIP-code level.
Things to do in Modesto
Modesto balances outdoor access, cultural depth, sports culture, and academic presence. The categories below cover the best of each.
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
Final verdict: best movers from San Francisco to Modesto
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from San Francisco to Modesto, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide California service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service. For smaller homes and apartment moves, NorthStar Moving Company (4.66 out of 5 stars) is the top local pick, with 91.6% positive reviews across 1,172 verified customer reviews.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $103–$4,597 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 370+ California movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from San Francisco to Modesto
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from San Francisco to Modesto?
A professional moving company from San Francisco to Modesto charges $617–$2,713 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, prices run $1,302–$3,759. For a home with 4 or more bedrooms, expect to pay $1,745–$4,597.
How much are moving container companies from San Francisco to Modesto?
Moving containers from San Francisco to Modesto typically cost $486 to $1,160 for a studio or 1-bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, costs typically fall between $979 and $1,819. For 4–5 bedroom homes, expect $1,143–$2,155.
How much is a moving truck from San Francisco to Modesto?
A rental moving truck from San Francisco to Modesto costs $99–$159 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $109–$195, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $135–$196.
Rental trucks are usually the cheapest option, but require you to handle the driving and labor. The estimates above include estimated fuel cost.
How far in advance should I book San Francisco-to-Modesto movers?
Book your move from San Francisco to Modesto at least 2 months before your moving date for the smoothest experience. For a summer move, aim for at least 3 months in advance, since that's the busiest season. Locking in your movers early helps you snag your preferred date and the best prices. Some moving companies sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts on advance bookings. Intrastate movers within California can typically commit to same-day or next-day delivery at this distance once booked.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Modesto?
The cheapest time to move to Modesto is between early October and late April. A move outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
Is moving from San Francisco to Modesto considered a long-distance move?
A move from San Francisco to Modesto is classified as an intrastate move. Both cities are in California, so California law governs the job rather than federal DOT rules that apply to interstate (state-to-state) moves. Whether a mover labels it "long-distance" depends on their internal pricing structure. Most full-service movers price intrastate moves over 50 miles based on weight and mileage rather than hourly rates, similar to how interstate pricing works. At 89 miles, expect distance-based pricing from most full-service movers on this route. Confirm your mover holds a valid California intrastate operating authority (not just a USDOT number) before signing a contract.
How long does a move from San Francisco to Modesto take?
Most moves from San Francisco to Modesto take 1–2 days from pickup to delivery, based on moveBuddha's route data. The driving distance is 89 miles. For intrastate moves at this distance, same-day or next-day delivery is common when the mover has confirmed availability. Add 4–8 hours for professional packing of a 2–3 bedroom home before the truck departs, and factor in any elevator reservation windows or building access restrictions at the destination. Getting your delivery date in writing before signing gives you a binding commitment. Intrastate movers can offer tighter guarantees than long-haul interstate carriers.
