($950+) Modesto, CA to Plano, TX Movers
The cost to move from Modesto, CA to Plano, TX ranges from $1,181 to $9,361, with an average cost of $3,650. Moves can be as low as $950 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,649 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.
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Compare moving options from Modesto, CA to Plano, TX
Moving options from Modesto to Plano fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,181 - $9,361 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,650, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 37% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 65% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,649 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 1,649-mile route from Modesto to Plano, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,181 - $5,126 | $1,345 - $2,532 | $998 - $1,899 | $1,288 - $2,279 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,034 - $6,606 | $1,902 - $3,578 | $1,050 - $2,150 | $1,434 - $2,981 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,192 - $9,361 | $2,594 - $4,741 | $1,283 - $2,682 | $1,955 - $4,112 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Modesto, CA to Plano, TX
Hiring full-service movers from Modesto, California, to Plano, Texas, costs between $1,181 and $9,361. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,649-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $343 - $2,288, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Modesto and Plano. For a rough baseline, movers based in Modesto tend to start around $314 plus $128/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Modesto to Plano:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,181 - $5,126
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,034 - $6,606
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,192 - $9,361
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 Plano.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Modesto, CA to Plano, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Modesto movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Plano, 56% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing56% of local movers | $572 - $5,720 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Grace Moving Company | $229 - $1,373/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $343 - $2,746 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs46% of local movers | $1,144 - $3,432 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,860 - $11,440 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $857 - $1,628 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items13% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Brewer Moving LLC | $1,144 - $2,860 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Pete's Moving Services | $915 - $4,004 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $343 - $1,716 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $744 - $2,288 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $343 - $17,160+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $343 - $4,004+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Modesto to Plano?
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Modesto, CA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Modesto, CA to Plano, TX
Moving containers from Modesto, California, to Plano, Texas, cost between $1,345 and $4,741. 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 Plano:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,345 - $2,532
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,902 - $3,578
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,594 - $4,741
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $86 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $172 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Plano, TX, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $801 in Modesto, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
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 $1,345. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,902 - $3,578.
What are the best moving containers Modesto to Plano?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- 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:
- Big Island Movers (4.8/5), 14 years in business
- Brewer Moving LLC (4.9/5), 11 years in business
- Lunardi Moving (4.8/5), 12 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Modesto, CA to Plano, TX
Truck rentals from Modesto, California, to Plano, Texas, range from $998 - $2,682 for the 1,649-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $600 - $686
- Daily insurance: $34/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Modesto daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.29
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Modesto to Plano based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $998 - $1,899
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,050 - $2,150
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,283 - $2,682
Pro tip: A rental truck from Modesto to Plano looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $998 - $2,682. But once you factor in fuel ($600 - $686), overnight lodging ($172/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $172 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Modesto, California, usually costs about $801 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,649-mile drive falls between $600 and $686, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $57 and $343 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Modesto to Plano?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- 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 Plano, TX
For larger DIY moves from Modesto, California, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Plano, Texas.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,434 and $2,981.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Modesto to Plano:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,288 - $2,279
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,434 - $2,981
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,955 - $4,112
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $86 - $172 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Modesto, California, typically costs $801.
What are the best freight companies from Modesto to Plano?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Modesto, CA vs Plano, TX
Day-to-day costs in Plano are close to what you're used to in Modesto: cost of living index of 112 versus 116, with average rent of $2,100/mo compared to $1,800/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 48/100 and 34.24/100 in Modesto versus 41/100 and 76.98/100 in Plano.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Plano, TX to Modesto, CA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from California to Texas, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 1,154 movers licensed in California, useful context for sizing up this 1,649-mile move.
Our take
The 1,649-mile move from Modesto, CA, to Plano, TX, costs between $1,181 and $9,361 with full-service movers, $1,345 - $4,741 with a moving container, and $998 - $2,682 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,034 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Plano tend to point to favorable weather and ample economic opportunity, though terrible traffic and extreme weather come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Capital One Finance and DXC Technology.
FAQs: Moving from Modesto, CA, to Plano, TX
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 Plano run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
How much does it cost to move from Modesto, CA to Plano, TX?
Costs on this route range from around $950 to $9,361, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,181 and $9,361, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What is the cheapest way to move from Modesto, CA to Plano, TX?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,050 - $2,150. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($600 - $686), daily insurance ($34/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $23) on top. Overnight stops can add another $172/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Modesto movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 40% of movers in Modesto handle piano moves, and 13% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.