$1,235 Movers From Chicago to Modesto

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Chicago, IL to Modesto, CA averages from $1,315 to $7,791 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Chicago moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Modesto, CA.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Modesto to Chicago guide.

Moving from Chicago to Modesto resources

Moving 2,113 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Modesto?

Chicago movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move Size Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,235 - $4,901 $1,224 - $3,094 $1,278 - $2,393
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,375 - $7,791 $2,200 - $4,311 $1,315 - $2,993
4+ bedrooms $6,523 - $11,004 $3,168 - $6,255 $1,660 - $3,632
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,113 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Chicago to Modesto will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Chicago to Modesto?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Modesto will cost between $1,235 to $4,901. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $3,375 to $7,791, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Modesto will cost from $6,523 to $11,004.

How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Modesto?

Moving containers from Chicago to Modesto will cost you $1,224 to $3,094 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,200 to $4,311. A larger home will cost $3,168 to $6,255.

How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Modesto?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,278 to $2,393. A larger move will cost $1,315 to $2,993, and a four-bedroom move from Chicago to Modesto costs from $1,660 to $3,632. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Chicago to Modesto moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Chicago to Modesto is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to Modesto.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Chicago to Modesto

Cost of living: Chicago vs Modesto

Chicago Modesto
Average rent cost $1,595 $1,790
Average home value $306,098 $427,902
Average income (per capita) $65,601 $67,011
Cost of Living (single person) $1,001 $2,086
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,584 $5,106
Unemployment rate 9.0% 8.0%
Sales Tax 10.25% 8.88%
State Income Tax 4.95% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Modesto are 12% higher than in Chicago.
  • Home prices in Modesto are 39.8% higher than in Chicago.
  • Income in Modesto is 2.1% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Modesto is 108.4% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a family in Modesto is 42.5% higher than in Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in Modesto is 11.11% lower than in Chicago.
  • Sales taxes in Modesto are 13.37% lower than in Chicago.
  • State income taxes in Modesto are 168.69% higher than in Chicago.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $6,251.75 in Modesto to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How is life different in Chicago compared to Modesto?

Modesto Chicago
Population 218,464 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 9
Walkability score 48 77
Bike friendliness score 48 72
Crime Index 65.02 35.19
Safety Index 34.98 33.87
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Modesto's population is about 92% less than Chicago.
  • Modesto's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
  • Modesto is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 48 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
  • Modesto is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 48 out of 100 vs Chicago's 72.
  • Modesto's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 65.02 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Modesto neighborhoods are safer than 65.02% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
  • Modesto is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 34.98 vs Chicago's 33.87.
  • Air quality in Modesto is moderate, and in Chicago it's good.

Considerations for moving to Modesto

  • Weather: Modesto has mild winters with moderate rainfall and long, hot, dry summers..
  • 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 you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Modesto. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Chicago movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Alliance Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008
(847) 378-4949
H2H Movers Inc Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
4250 N Marine Dr Aparment #1136, Chicago, IL, 60613
(773) 236-8797

Visit our best long distance movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in Modesto

These are some of the best things to do in your new California home.

  • McHenry Mansion
  • Gallo Center for the Arts
  • John Thurman Field
  • Great Valley Museum
  • The State Theatre
  • Modesto Historic Graffiti Cruise Route
  • McHenry Museum
  • Tuolumne River Trail
  • Vintage Faire Mall
  • Brenden Theatres

Get your sports on!

Modesto is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Modesto Nuts (California League)

FAQs about moving from Chicago to Modesto

When is the best time to move from Chicago to Modesto?

The best time to move from Chicago to Modesto is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 94ºF and the winter lows of 39ºF in Modesto.

When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Modesto?

Because most people are moving from Chicago to Modesto in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

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