Santa Ana to Modesto, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
- The cost to move 343 miles from Santa Ana to Modesto typically ranges from $1,867 to $5,350. A smaller move will cost around $410.
- Hiring professional movers for a move from Santa Ana to Modesto usually comes in between $1,867 and $5,350.*These numbers are based on a 2–3 bedroom home and one–four day delivery time. Your total cost and delivery time will vary based on your home size, the distance, and the time of year.
- We recommend Safeway Moving as our top pick for your move from Santa Ana to Modesto.
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 rating
4.2 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
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Best movers from Santa Ana to Modesto
Best overall value- Veteran owned
- Portion to charity
- Certified crews
- Flat-rate pricing
- Family-owned
North American Van Lines
1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans
- 1,800 trucks
- Storage available
- Customized moving plans
Allied Van Lines
Specialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experience
- Specialty packing services
- White-glove reputation
- 80+ years' experience
- Family owned
- East coast focus
- Affordable pricing
Professional
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Container
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Rental truck
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Labor-only
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Estimated cost to move from Santa Ana to Modesto
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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3 Bedrooms
Feb 19, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 06, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 05, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 30, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 24, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Dec 29, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 28, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 27, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 10, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 03, 2025
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Modesto to Santa Ana guide.
Local moving companies in Santa Ana
Choosing one of the 372 local California movers for your Santa Ana to Modesto move, makes everything easier. With their local know-how, these pros offer personalized service and take care of packing, loading, and transporting your stuff, so your move goes faster and feels a lot less stressful.
- Maison Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Best Moving Service: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Best Fit Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0190726
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 76628
Alternate Names: Orange County Movers Inc , College Boys Moving and Storage of Orange County , Affordable Moving and Storage of Orange County
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 23
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meat Head Movers Inc , Meathead Movers Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 176151
Years in Business: 32
DOT #: 1706316
Alternate Names: US Household Movers Inc , American Pride Moving , Best Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191680
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3051481
Alternate Names: Best Fit Movers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Cost to move from Santa Ana to Modesto
Take a look at the table below for typical moving cost estimates from Santa Ana to Modesto. Costs are grouped by home size and moving service to make comparing options straightforward.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,140 - $3,314 | $703 - $1,715 | $382 - $709 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,867 - $5,350 | $1,263 - $2,477 | $410 - $816 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,954 - $7,364 | $1,602 - $3,087 | $479 - $986 |
Cost to hire movers from Santa Ana to Modesto
For a studio or one-bedroom move from Santa Ana to Modesto, expect to pay between $1,140 and $3,314. Moving a two- to three-bedroom home from Santa Ana to Modesto generally falls between $1,867 and $5,350. A large-scale move from Santa Ana to Modesto typically ranges from $2,954 to $7,364.
Cost of moving containers from Santa Ana to Modesto
Container moves from Santa Ana to Modesto start around $703 and can reach $1,715 for smaller shipments. For homes with two to three bedrooms, pricing generally lands between $1,263 and $2,477. Four-bedroom and bigger moves usually cost $1,602–$3,087. Learn more about PODS cost.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move within California.
Cost of renting a moving truck from Santa Ana to Modesto
A rental truck for the Santa Ana to Modesto route is often the cheapest choice, but it requires you to do all the driving and physical work.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $382 to $709. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $410 to $816, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Santa Ana to Modesto costs around $479 to $986.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Considerations when moving from Santa Ana to Modesto
Cost of living: Santa Ana vs. Modesto
The cost of living in Santa Ana vs. Modesto goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in Modesto stacks up against Santa Ana.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Santa Ana | Modesto | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,650 | $1,800 |
| Average home cost | $843,858 | $442,362 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,283 | $67,011 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $6,333 | $2,312 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,160 | $5,946 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 8.0% |
| Average Sales Tax | 9.25% | 8.88% |
- Rent in Modesto is roughly 32% less expensive than in Santa Ana. That leaves you with extra cash for savings, entertainment, or anything else you want to spend money on.
- Home prices in Modesto are 48% lower than in Santa Ana, which may make it easier to enter the housing market and get a more affordable mortgage, freeing up your budget for other priorities.
- Income in Modesto is 13% lower than in Santa Ana. You may need to keep a closer eye on your budget, particularly if salaries don’t match the cost of living.
- Cost of living for a single person in Modesto is 63% lower than in Santa Ana. That means you’ll probably have more room in your budget for saving, spending, or investing.
- The living costs for a family of four are 47% lower in Modesto than in Santa Ana. That means your money stretches further, giving you extra room in your budget and the opportunity to enjoy an even better quality of life after your move.
- Unemployment in Modesto is 14% higher than in Santa Ana. This means job hunting may be tougher and job security less certain, especially if you’re relocating without having a job lined up.
- Sales taxes are equal in Modesto and Santa Ana, so your move shouldn’t bring any surprises on taxable purchases.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Santa Ana, expect to budget around $1,110 to maintain the same lifestyle in Modesto.
How life is different in Santa Ana vs. Modesto
As you plan your move, comparing life in Santa Ana vs. Modesto is essential to making an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and needs. Factors like population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety can significantly impact your experience in a new place. Below is a side-by-side breakdown of key differences between Santa Ana and Modesto to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| Santa Ana | Modesto | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 310,227 | 218,464 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 47ºF | 39ºF |
| Annual rain | 13" | 13" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 54.17 | 65.76 |
Modesto sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll find that Modesto is about 30% less populated than Santa Ana. Living in a smaller city often means more peace, extra space, and lower costs, but you might miss some of the perks that come with big-city life.
- The last presidential election saw both Santa Ana and Modesto siding with the Democratic party.
- Modesto summers peak around 94°F, noticeably warmer than Santa Ana’s 82°F. A move here means adapting to stronger heat with lifestyle and budget changes.
- In the coldest months, Modesto drops to 39°F—colder than Santa Ana, which only goes down to 47°F.
- You won’t have to adjust to new weather conditions when you move from Santa Ana to Modesto. Both spots see about the same amount of rain each year: 13 inches in Santa Ana and 13 inches in Modesto.
- Both Santa Ana and Modesto receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Crime rates are higher in Modesto, with an index of 65.76, compared to Santa Ana at 54.17.
Things to do in Modesto
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Santa Ana has something for everyone.
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 Santa Ana to Modesto?
Moving your furniture from Santa Ana to Modesto with a professional moving company usually ranges from $1,140 to $3,314. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $1,867 and $5,350. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $2,954 to $7,364 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Santa Ana to Modesto?
If you’re moving from Santa Ana to Modesto and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $703 to $1,715. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $1,263 and $2,477. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,602 to $3,087.
How much is a moving truck from Santa Ana to Modesto?
Want to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest bet. Just remember, you’ll be in charge of both the driving and the heavy lifting. To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve included average fuel costs in our pricing so you’re not caught off guard.
Renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move will typically set you back between $382 and $709. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $410 to $816. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Santa Ana to Modesto, rental prices generally fall between $479 and $986.
How far in advance should I book Santa Ana-to-Modesto movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Santa Ana to Modesto at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, it’s best to book your movers at least three months ahead. The sooner you reserve your Santa Ana-to-Modesto movers, the better the chance you’ll get affordable rates and secure the exact moving date you need. Some movers even offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Modesto?
If you want to save money on your move to Modesto, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May to September), when most people relocate and prices soar. By steering clear of the busy summer months, you’ll take advantage of lower demand and lower rates.
