Modesto, CA to Houston, TX Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Modesto to Houston typically costs $3,600–$8,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,858 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Modesto to Houston
Moving from Modesto, CA to Houston, TX typically costs $3,600–$8,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,858-mile move from Modesto to Houston, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $1,588 for a 1 bedroom (small) using a rental truck.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $2,705 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $3,377 for a 3 bedroom using a moving container.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 06, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 26, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 17, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 14, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 09, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 03, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 30, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 19, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 11, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 11, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Modesto to Houston move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,800 for a one-bedroom, or up to $11,900 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Modesto.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $1,200 to $3,600, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Houston, TX to Modesto, CA guide.
Best Modesto to Houston movers by type
Professional
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Modesto to Houston
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Modesto to Houston much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best CA→TX movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 372 California movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Modesto to Houston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Houston runs about 20% higher for singles and 20% higher for families than Modesto.
Singles spend around $2,770 in Houston versus $2,312 in Modesto; families pay $7,157 compared with $5,946.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Modesto | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,446 | $1,658 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,467 | $3,195 |
| Average home value | $442,362 | $263,945 |
| Average income (per capita) | $67,011 | $69,833 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,312 | $2,770 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,946 | $7,157 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 8.88% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- When relocating from Modesto to Houston, expect to find rent about 14% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 40% more affordable in Houston compared to Modesto.
- In terms of average income, Houston and Modesto are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Houston, as living costs for a single person are 20% higher than in Modesto. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you're moving your family to Houston, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Houston is 20% higher than in Modesto.
- The unemployment rate in Houston is about 49% lower than in Modesto. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes are 7% less in Houston relative to Modesto. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Texas has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Modesto and Houston:
| Living Expense | Modesto | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $200.52 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $60.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.67 | $4.11 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.61 | $3.05 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $41.33 | $38.29 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Modesto than in Houston.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Modesto than in Houston.
- Eggs cost more in Modesto than in Houston.
- Bread is more expensive in Modesto than in Houston.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Modesto than in Houston.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships cost more in Modesto than in Houston.
How life is different in Modesto vs. Houston
| Modesto | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 2,301,572 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 48 | 47 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 49 |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 63.5 |
| Safety index | 34.24 | 36.5 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Houston's population is about 954% greater than Modesto.
- Houston's public transportation score is within about 5% of Modesto, making them very similar.
- Houston and Modesto are similarly walkable.
- Both Houston and Modesto have similar bike-friendliness scores (48 vs 49), meaning Houston is about as safe for cyclists as Modesto. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Houston and Modesto have a similar crime rate with scores of 63.5 and 65.76, respectively.
- Houston is considered to be safer than Modesto with a safety index of 36.5 vs Modesto's 34.24.
- Air quality in Houston is Good, and in Modesto it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Modesto to Houston move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Texas’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Texas does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Houston. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Houston
Planning your move to HOU? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Houston.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Greenway/Upper Kirby
- Montrose
- Museum District
Best neighborhoods for families
- Clear Lake City
- Friendswood
- Kingwood
- Memorial
- Sugar Land
Things to do in Houston
After settling into your new Texas home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Houston has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Houston features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Children’s Museum of Houston, The Menil Collection, and Houston Museum of Natural Science.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Hermann Park, Terry Hershey Park, Lake Houston Park, and Memorial Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Houston Texans (NFL)Houston Astros (MLBHouston Dash (NWSL)Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)Houston Rockets (NBA)Houston SaberCats (MLR) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Houston?
Planning your move from Modesto to Houston? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Modesto.
When is the cheapest time to move from Modesto to Houston?
Because most people are moving from Modesto to Houston in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Modesto to Houston take?
The 1,858-mile journey from Modesto, CA to Houston, TX, typically takes five to 16 days. Some movers in Modesto offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Houston.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Modesto?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Modesto, 10 movers can manage piano relocations. 5 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, California has 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
