($992+) Modesto, CA to Austin, TX Movers

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The cost to move from Modesto, CA to Austin, TX ranges from $1,322 to $10,395, with an average cost of $4,000. Moves can be as low as $992 if you're wanting to DIY it.

This move covers about 1,687 miles and usually takes 4 to 15 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.

Compare moving options from Modesto, CA to Austin, TX

Moving options from Modesto to Austin fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,322 - $10,395 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,000, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,687 miles and typically takes 4 to 15 days depending on the service you pick.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,687-mile route from Modesto to Austin, broken down by home size:

  • Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,322 - $5,135, container $1,571 - $2,958, rental truck $1,034 - $1,986, freight trailer $1,317 - $2,585.
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $3,427 - $7,072, container $2,068 - $4,098, rental truck $1,152 - $2,339, freight trailer $1,544 - $3,085.
  • 4+ bedrooms: full-service $6,208 - $10,395, container $2,821 - $5,332, rental truck $1,353 - $2,977, freight trailer $2,127 - $4,395.

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Modesto, CA to Austin, TX

For the 1,687-mile move from Modesto, California, to Austin, Texas, full-service movers cost between $1,322 and $10,395. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $364 - $2,424 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Modesto generally start around $314 plus $128 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Modesto to Austin:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,322 - $5,135
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,427 - $7,072
  • 4+ bedrooms: $6,208 - $10,395

Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Modesto to Austin.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Texas. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.

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Specialty moving services from Modesto, CA to Austin, TX

Specialty needs vary by market — 79% of Modesto movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Austin, 81% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$606 - $6,060
Storage in transitNew place not ready79% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Pete's Moving Services$242 - $1,454/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$364 - $2,909
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage21% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs14% of local movers$1,212 - $3,636
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$3,030 - $12,120
Car shippingSecond vehicle$908 - $1,725
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items36% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Grace Moving Company$1,212 - $3,030
PianoAny piano type71% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Grace Moving Company$970 - $4,242
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers$364 - $1,818
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect21% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: MidCal Moving and Storage Company$788 - $2,424
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$364 - $18,180+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$364 - $4,242+

What are the best full-service movers from Modesto to Austin?

Movers licensed to operate in Texas are typically members of the Southwest Movers Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Modesto, CA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.

Moving container costs from Modesto, CA to Austin, TX

Moving containers from Modesto, California, to Austin, Texas, cost between $1,571 and $5,332. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Modesto costs roughly $120/month if you need it.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Modesto to Austin:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,571 - $2,958
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,068 - $4,098
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,821 - $5,332

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $848 in Modesto, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
  • Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $91 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $182 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
  • Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Austin, TX, destination before booking.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Texas move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.

Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,571. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,068 - $4,098, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Modesto to Austin?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)

Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Modesto to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Modesto:

  • Brewer Moving LLC (4.9/5), 11 years in business
  • MidCal Moving and Storage Company (4.6/5), 170 years in business
  • Pack it up Movers (4.9/5), 8 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Modesto, CA to Austin, TX

Plan on $1,034 - $2,977 for a rental moving truck on the 1,687-mile route from Modesto, California, to Austin, Texas. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:

  • Fuel for the drive: $651 - $744
  • Daily insurance: $36/day
  • Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
  • Modesto daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.29
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Modesto to Austin based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,034 - $1,986
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,152 - $2,339
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,353 - $2,977

Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Modesto to Austin starts at $1,034 - $2,977, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($651 - $744) , overnight lodging ($182/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $182 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
  • Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $79 and $394 to your total.
  • Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
  • Gas: Plan on spending $651 - $744 in fuel for the 1,687-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
  • Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $848 in Modesto, California, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Modesto to Austin?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)

The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.

Freight trailer costs from Modesto, CA to Austin, TX

Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Modesto, California, to Austin, Texas. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.

Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,091 and $3,085.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Modesto to Austin:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,317 - $2,585
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,544 - $3,085
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,127 - $4,395

Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
  • Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Modesto, California, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $848.
  • More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $91 and $182 per foot.

What are the best freight companies from Modesto to Austin?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
  3. Speed Intermodal (4.7/5 stars): Speed Intermodal is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.

Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Modesto to Austin, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.

Cost of living: Modesto, CA vs Austin, TX

Modesto and Austin land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 116 in Modesto and 129 in Austin, and rent tracks closely too ($1,800/mo vs. $1,765/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (48 vs 42) and safety scores (34.24 vs 59.87) come out about the same too.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Austin, TX to Modesto, CA guide.

Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:

We've processed 10 real quotes from California to Texas over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 374 movers in our California network to compare for this 1,687-mile move.

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Our take

A move from Modesto, CA, to Austin, TX, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,322 - $10,395 on the 1,687-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,571 - $5,332, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,034 - $2,977. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,427 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.

Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Austin tend to point to delicious barbecue and phenomenal live music, though hot summers and terrible traffic come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Keller Williams Realty and Whole Foods Market.

FAQs: Moving from Modesto, CA, to Austin, TX

What size moving truck do I need for this route?

Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

What do local movers charge in Modesto?

Local movers based in Modesto typically start around $314 as a base rate, plus $128/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Austin run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.

How do I know a mover is licensed in Texas?

In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers.

What are the best neighborhoods in Austin?

For families, Rollingwood, West Lake, and Brushy Creek are worth a look in Austin. If you're moving solo or without kids, Cherrywood, North University, and Old West Austin tend to be popular picks instead.

How walkable is Austin?

Austin has a walkability score of 42 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 54, compared to 48 and 48 in Modesto. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.

What percentage of Modesto movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 71% of movers in Modesto handle piano moves, and 36% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.