Moving from Santa Clarita to Modesto, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Santa Clarita to Modesto costs between $346 to $7,403 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 281-mile route within California take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Santa Clarita to Modesto
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Santa Clarita to Modesto are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Santa Clarita 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 281 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,977 - $5,372 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,334 - $2,456 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $384 - $804 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Gentlemen's Moving Company | $125/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 Santa Clarita to Modesto?
It costs between $346 to $7,403 to move from Santa Clarita to Modesto. The prices below break down your 281-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,228 - $7,403
- Moving containers: $1,034 - $3,014
- Rental trucks: $346 - $968
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,228 - $4,498 | $1,034 - $1,769 | $346 - $679 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,977 - $5,372 | $1,334 - $2,456 | $384 - $804 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,600 - $7,403 | $1,812 - $3,014 | $499 - $968 |
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 | $486 - $4,050+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $125/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | $243 - $486/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $324 - $1,296 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $81 - $324 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Santa Clarita to Modesto
At 281 miles, your Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita to Modesto. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 281 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Best California Movers is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Santa Clarita to Modesto. They've been in business since 2019 (7 years of experience) and 98.3% of their 414 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Modesto to Santa Clarita guide.
Considerations when moving from Santa Clarita to Modesto
Cost of living: Santa Clarita vs. Modesto
Comparing life in Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Santa Clarita | Modesto | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,295 | $1,800 |
| Average home cost | $722,430 | $415,024 |
| Average income (per capita) | $119,926 | $77,899 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,290 | $2,312 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,722 | $5,946 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.6% | 8.0% |
| Average Sales Tax | 9.5% | 8.88% |
- Rent prices in Modesto are 45% lower than in Santa Clarita, meaning you'll likely have more room in your budget for savings, leisure, or other living expenses.
- Home prices in Modesto are 43% lower than in Santa Clarita, 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 35% lower than in Santa Clarita, 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 30% less on living expenses than you would in Santa Clarita. That puts more cash in your pocket to save, splurge, or invest as you please.
- If you’re relocating to Modesto, you’ll be glad to know the cost of living is 12% lower than in Santa Clarita. That means you can stretch your budget further and possibly enjoy an even better quality of life after your move.
- The unemployment rate in Modesto is 17% lower than in Santa Clarita, which suggests a stronger job market with more employment opportunities and greater economic stability.
- In Modesto, sales taxes are 7% lower than in Santa Clarita, which means your budget for dining, shopping, and household purchases may stretch further.
If you’re used to living on $3,000 a month in Santa Clarita, you’d need roughly $2,100 to maintain the same lifestyle in Modesto.
How life is different in Santa Clarita vs. Modesto
Before you move, see how life stacks up in Modesto compared to Santa Clarita. 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.
| Santa Clarita | Modesto | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 228,673 | 218,464 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 46ºF | 39ºF |
| Annual rain | 18" | 13" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 35.92 | 65.76 |
Modesto sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Moving from Santa Clarita 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.
- Santa Clarita and Modesto both voted Democratic in the last election.
- Moving between Santa Clarita and Modesto won’t bring major summer surprises. With highs near 94°F in both cities, your summer lifestyle should stay consistent.
- During winter, Modesto gets colder than Santa Clarita, with average lows of 39°F compared to Santa Clarita°F.
- Both Santa Clarita and Modesto experience similar annual rainfall, with Santa Clarita receiving 18 inches and Modesto getting 13 inches.
- Both Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita (35.92).
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 Santa Clarita to Modesto?
Shipping furniture from Santa Clarita to Modesto with a mover will cost between $1,142 and $3,764. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,977–$5,372, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Santa Clarita to Modesto will cost from $2,600–$7,403.
How much are moving container companies from Santa Clarita to Modesto?
If you're moving from Santa Clarita to Modesto and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $700 to $1,789. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $1,334 and $2,456. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $1,812 up to $3,014.
How much is a moving truck from Santa Clarita 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 $365 and $633. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $384 to $804. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from Santa Clarita to Modesto, truck rental prices typically range from $499 up to $968.
How far in advance should I book Santa Clarita-to-Modesto movers?
For a smooth move from Santa Clarita 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.
