Moving from Stockton to Sacramento, CA

Quick answer: Moving from Stockton to Sacramento costs between $39 to $3,838 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 48-mile route within California take to days from packing to delivery.

Compare moving options from Stockton to Sacramento

The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Stockton to Sacramento are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.

  • Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Stockton to driving and unloading in Sacramento, 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 48 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
Move type Top pick Average cost Best for Main downside
Full-service mover Safeway Moving $819 - $2,680 Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading Highest price of all options
Moving container PODS $388 - $1,166 Pack and load on your own schedule You handle all loading and unloading
Rental truck Budget Truck Rental $46 - $123 Lowest upfront cost You drive, load, and unload everything yourself
Labor-only MidCal Moving and Storage Company $100/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 Stockton to Sacramento?

It costs between $39 to $3,838 to move from Stockton to Sacramento. The prices below break down your 48-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.

  • Full service movers: $462 - $3,838
  • Moving containers: $127 - $1,644
  • Rental trucks: $39 - $143
Home size Full-service mover Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $462 - $1,349 $127 - $855 $39 - $102
2 - 3 bedrooms $819 - $2,680 $388 - $1,166 $46 - $123
4+ bedrooms $1,330 - $3,838 $848 - $1,644 $60 - $143
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 11 years of experience, reviewing 3,155 moving companies, and are updated as of May 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.

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 $375 - $3,125+ Full-service movers
Loading labor $100/hr per mover Moving containers, rental trucks
Storage About $120/month Moving containers
Shuttle fee $250 - $1,000 Full-service movers
Equipment rental $63 - $250 Rental trucks
Added protection 1% - 2% of declared value All move types

Best movers from Stockton to Sacramento

At 48 miles, your Stockton to Sacramento 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 Stockton to Sacramento. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 48 miles.

Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves

Grace Moving Company is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Stockton to Sacramento. They've been in business since 1999 (27 years of experience) and 91.6% of their 467 verified reviews are positive.

More California moving resources

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Sacramento to Stockton guide.

Considerations when moving from Stockton to Sacramento

Cost of living: Stockton vs. Sacramento

The cost of living in Stockton vs. Sacramento isn’t just about housing costs. We’ll lay out everything that matters, including rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends, so you can easily see how life in Sacramento compares to what you’re used to in Stockton.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Stockton Sacramento
Average rent cost $1,775 $1,899
Average home cost $410,790 $483,739
Average income (per capita) $76,851 $83,753
Cost of living (single person) $3,767 $2,656
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,810 $6,191
Unemployment rate 10.3% 7.7%
Average Sales Tax 9.0% 8.75%
  • Rent prices in Sacramento are 7% higher than in Stockton, meaning a larger portion of your income may go toward housing, leaving less for savings or other expenses.
  • Home prices in Sacramento are 18% higher than in Stockton, so you’ll likely need a larger down payment and can expect bigger monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
  • You could enjoy greater earning potential and improved financial stability in Sacramento, where average income is 9% higher than in Stockton — especially if your salary is on par with the local average.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Sacramento is 29% lower than in Stockton, meaning you'll likely have more financial flexibility, allowing for increased savings, spending, or investment opportunities.
  • Good news, living costs are 9% lower in Sacramento than in Stockton. That means your money goes further, giving you more room in your budget and a chance to boost your quality of life after the move.
  • The unemployment rate in Sacramento is 25% lower than in Stockton. This points to a healthier job market, more openings, and better economic stability in your new city.
  • You’ll find sales taxes are basically identical in Sacramento and Stockton, which means no change in what you’ll pay at checkout.

If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Stockton, you’ll need about $2,130 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Sacramento.

How life is different in Stockton vs. Sacramento

Before you move, check out how life in Sacramento measures up to Stockton. You can easily compare the weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population side by side. This comparison makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.

Stockton Sacramento
Population 320,804 524,943
Political leaning Democratic 49.8-48.3 Democratic 51-46
Summer high 93ºF 93ºF
Winter low 38ºF 39ºF
Annual rain 17" 20"
Annual snow 0" 0"
Crime index 75.2 49.21
  • Sacramento has a population roughly 64% higher than Stockton. Relocating to a bigger city brings more people, possibilities, cultural experiences, and higher costs and a faster paced lifestyle. Whether that energizes or exhausts you all comes down to what you’re looking for.
  • During the last presidential election, both Stockton and Sacramento supported the Democratic candidate.
  • You’ll find that both Sacramento and Stockton have similar summer temperatures, so expect the same warm weather you’re used to, without changing your routine.
  • In the coldest months, you’ll find similar low temperatures in both Stockton and Sacramento—with winter lows around 38°F and 39°F.
  • Both Stockton and Sacramento see similar yearly rainfall—Stockton averages 17 inches, while Sacramento gets 20 inches.
  • Both Stockton and Sacramento receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
  • Sacramento posts a lower crime rate than Stockton, with a crime index of 49.21 compared to Stockton’s 75.2.

Things to do in Sacramento

Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Sacramento has plenty to offer:

Museums in Sacramento

  • California State Railroad Museum
  • Crocker Art Museum
  • California State Capitol Museum
  • Old Sacramento
  • California Automobile Museum

Parks in Sacramento

  • Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park
  • Capitol Park
  • William Land Park
  • McKinley Park
  • American River Parkway

Sports teams in Sacramento

  • Sacramento Kings (NBA)
  • Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship)
  • Sacramento River Cats (Triple-A West)

Universities in Sacramento

  • California State University-Sacramento
  • Epic Bible College
  • MTI College
  • Asher College
  • Carrington College-Sacramento

FAQ

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Stockton to Sacramento?

Shipping furniture from Stockton to Sacramento with a moving company typically costs between $361 and $1,226. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $819 to $2,680. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $1,330 and $3,838 for that same route.

How much are moving container companies from Stockton to Sacramento?

If you’re planning a move from Stockton to Sacramento and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $111 and $798. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $388 to $1,166. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $848 to $1,644.

How much is a moving truck from Stockton to Sacramento?

If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is often the most budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though— you’ll need to handle both the driving and the heavy lifting yourself. To keep things transparent, we’ve factored estimated fuel costs into our pricing so you know exactly what to expect.

If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, expect to pay between $36 and $99. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $46 and $123. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Stockton to Sacramento, truck rentals usually range from $60 up to $143.

How far in advance should I book Stockton-to-Sacramento movers?

To make your move from Stockton to Sacramento as stress-free as possible, lock in your movers at least two months before your big day. If you’re planning a summer move, aim for three months ahead, because spots fill up fast! Booking early not only boosts your chances of getting the date you want, but you might also score a better deal since many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Sacramento?

The cheapest time of year to move to Sacramento is between early October and late April. This period is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.