Quick answer: The cost to move from St. Louis to Stockton ranges from $1,520 to $9,242 and the journey will take approximately six to 17 days. Key factors influencing these estimates include your moving volume, chosen moving date, and whether you opt for professional movers or handle the 2,018-mile move on your own.

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

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Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
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Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
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Best Movers By Type

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Best Professional Movers from St. Louis to Stockton

Picking a long-distance moving company for your move from St. Louis to Stockton isn't easy — there are tons of options out there, and figuring out who's reliable (and who's not) can feel like a real challenge.

No need to stress about sifting through endless options — we've already done the homework for you. Our picks are based on real reviews, pricing, and the range of services offered.

Safeway Moving
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
American Van Lines
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans

How we chose the best moving companies for your MO to CA movetoggle

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 28 Missouri movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

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%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

Find trusted moving companies for your St. Louis to Stockton journey

Organizing a move from St. Louis to Stockton can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. The choices are vast, but which ones stand out?

We've done the groundwork for you, evaluating local movers in St. Louis known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.

Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from St. Louis to Stockton.

  1. Arch Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  2. McGuire Moving and Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  3. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  4. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  5. Cord Moving and Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/ArchMovingSt.Louis, https://twitter.com/archmoving?lang=en
58% of all reviews were positive
33% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customer input reveals Arch Moving stands out for efficient service, professional and polite staff, and careful handling—traits that rank it higher than many competitors. Out of 76 reviews analyzed, 58% were positive. Customers highlight quick moving, helpful movers, and care for belongings as main strengths.
On the other hand, 33% of input cited problems, mainly damage to items, inexperienced movers, and lack of communication. Multiple customers experienced property or item damage, with some reports of lost items and unsatisfactory claims processes. Others found crews lacking experience or communication lacking, particularly from office staff. While many noted friendly, hardworking movers and fast, well-organized moves, negative feedback points to greater risk of damage or mishandling than top-rated moving companies. Those seeking value and efficiency often found the service met or exceeded expectations, yet those who value reliability and item safety should proceed with caution and discuss coverage and experience with the company before booking.
Show more
Get a Quote (314) 964-5557

Company Info

State license #: 2969512

Pricing: $150/hr

Years in Business: 22

DOT #: 2969512


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/McGuireMoving/,
82% of all reviews were positive
17% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customer input paints McGuire Moving and Storage as a leader for professionalism and skilled handling. Of 130 reviews, 82% were favorable, with clients praising the courteous staff, careful approach, efficiency, and effective communication. The company’s teams consistently earn recommendations, with multiple customers reporting stress-free and damage-free moves.
Negative feedback, making up about 17%, centers on item damage, lost belongings, and select instances of unprofessionalism or poor service recovery. Despite a few cases of unresolved issues, customers more often highlight reliability and a hands-on approach not easily found with competitors. McGuire sets itself apart by maintaining a highly praised team and strong follow-up, though, on rare occasions, resolution on damage or loss lags behind client expectations.
Show more
Get a Quote (314) 241-0600

Company Info

State license #: 2256609

Years in Business: 45

DOT #: 2256609

Alternate Names: McGuire Moving Co.


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
https://www.facebook.com/twomenstlouis/, https://twitter.com/TwoMenstlouis
76% of all reviews were positive
22% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving day made simple: feedback from 361 reviewers shows two out of three customers raved about Two Men and a Truck’s speed, careful handling, and positive, professional attitude. Three out of four reviews praised efficient service, noting teams that work quickly while respecting belongings and property. Customers repeatedly mention helpful staff making moves less stressful.
On the downside, about 22% flagged issues, with damaged items as the top concern. Some reported belongings arrived scratched or broken, while others found their final bills exceeded estimates by hundreds of dollars. Delays or late arrivals also frustrated a portion of customers. Compared to many movers, Two Men and a Truck earns higher marks for courtesy and efficiency, but shoppers sensitive to cost or worried about valuables should stay vigilant and clarify terms before moving day.
Show more
Get a Quote (314) 270-5758

Company Info

State license #: 714664

Years in Business: 31

DOT #: 2527384


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/AllMySons/, https://twitter.com/allmysonsmoving
53% of all reviews were positive
47% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers say All My Sons Moving & Storage often delivers fast, polite, and efficient service. Over half of feedback highlights teams that work quickly, handle belongings carefully, and keep a positive attitude during moves. Movers are commonly described as professional, respectful, and diligent.
Many customers recommend the company for their reliability and approachability. At the same time, nearly half of input reveals major issues with unexpected charges, higher-than-quoted bills, damaged items, and late arrivals. Several customers report being surprised by additional fees, or receiving items with new damage. On-time moves and accurate pricing stand out as frequent pain points. Compared to many competitors, these movers achieve high marks for care and speed but recurring cost and communication problems hold them back.
Show more
Get a Quote (636) 328-0545

Company Info

State license #: 1803212

Years in Business: 24

DOT #: 902281


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/cordmovingandstorage, https://twitter.com/cordmoving
85% of all reviews were positive
15% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customer input for Cord Moving and Storage is packed with high marks for professionalism and efficiency. Out of 238 reviews assessed, 84.5% are positive, highlighting polite staff, great care with belongings, fast and organized moves, and strong communication. Many mention courteous crews who arrived on time and kept customers informed, which sets Cord apart from many moving companies.
Competitive pricing and helpful follow-up also stand out in feedback. On the downside, about 15% of users report significant frustrations—mainly around damaged items, difficulties with insurance claims, late or missing communication, and a few delayed deliveries. These complaints often reference a lack of response or unsatisfactory handling when issues arise. While most customers walk away pleased and stress-free, those who face problems with claims or lost property note long wait times for resolutions. Cord Moving and Storage consistently earns praise for careful, efficient movers and friendly assistance, but some reviews describe occasional breakdowns in care and communication, especially when problems occur. Compared with typical movers, Cord's high rate of glowing reviews and low price reports put them at the industry’s front line for reliability, although resolving issues after a move can sometimes fall short.
Show more
Get a Quote (866) 742-1558

Company Info

State license #: 181102

Years in Business: 105

DOT #: 181102

Alternate Names: North American Moving Services, Cord Moving & Storage Company Inc.


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card

How much does it cost to move from St. Louis to Stockton?

St. Louis movers charge $145 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 $1,644 - $5,779 $1,406 - $3,621 $1,476 - $2,790
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,333 - $9,242 $2,656 - $5,254 $1,520 - $3,421
4+ bedrooms $7,728 - $12,838 $3,427 - $7,232 $2,075 - $4,148
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,018 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.

Cost to hire movers from Missouri to California

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Missouri to California will cost between $1,644 and $5,779. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from MO to CA will range from $4,333 to $9,242, and a large move from Missouri to California will cost from $7,728 to $12,838.

Cost of moving containers from Missouri to California

If you're moving from Missouri to California, expect to pay between $1,406 and $3,621 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,656 up to $5,254. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $3,427 and $7,232. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Missouri.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Missouri to California

Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you'll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.

If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $1,476 and $2,790. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,520 and $3,421. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You're likely looking at anywhere from $2,075 up to $4,148 for your rental truck.

These quotes include estimated fuel costs.

Key factors that impact the cost of your St. Louis to Stockton movetoggle

The cost of St. Louis movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from St. Louis to Stockton can be as low as $1,644 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $12,925.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in St. Louis so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,476 to $3,603. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from St. Louis to Stockton

Moving from St. Louis to Stockton comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Stockton is generally more expensive than St. Louis, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

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

St. Louis Stockton
Average rent cost $1,250 $1,775
Average home value $171,463 $437,561
Average income (per capita) $66,090 $63,915
Cost of living (single person) $2,589 $3,767
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,573 $6,810
Unemployment rate 6.3% 10.3%
Sales tax 9.68% 9.0%
State income tax 4.8% 13.3%
  • You may want to budget more for rent in Stockton, since prices are typically 42% higher than in St. Louis.
  • The home prices in Stockton are 155.2% higher than in St. Louis, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
  • Income in Stockton is 3.3% lower than in St. Louis, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Stockton — including University of the Pacific, The Herrick, and San Joaquin County Office of Education — may pay more.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Stockton, since the cost of living for a single person in Stockton is 45.5% higher than in St. Louis. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If you're moving your family to Stockton, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Stockton is 3.6% higher than in St. Louis.
  • The unemployment rate in Stockton is 63.49% higher than in St. Louis.
  • You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Stockton, since the city's sales taxes in Stockton are 7.02% lower than in St. Louis.
  • State income taxes in Stockton are 177.08% higher than in St. Louis.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,365.01 in Stockton to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in St. Louis.

How life is different in St. Louis vs. Stockton

Stockton St. Louis
Population 320,804 293,310
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 8
Walkability score 44 66
Bike friendliness score 52 58
Crime Index 75.2 69.65
Safety Index 24.8 30.35
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • The population of Stockton is about 9% greater than St. Louis, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • Getting around Stockton without a car might be more difficult than in St. Louis. Stockton has a public transportation score of 4 out of 10, whereas St. Louis is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Stockton neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as St. Louis. Based on its score of 44 out of 100, Stockton isn't as walkable as St. Louis, which has a score of 66 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
  • You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Stockton, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than St. Louis. While St. Louis has a bike-friendliness score of 58 out of 100, Stockton earned a 52. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
  • The crime rate in Stockton is higher than in St. Louis, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 75.2 in Stockton, it is 69.65 in St. Louis. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
  • You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Stockton. With a crime index of 24.8, Stockton ranks lower in overall safety than St. Louis, whose index is 30.35. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
  • You can breathe easy knowing that Stockton has better air quality than in St. Louis. Stockton has Good air quality, compared to moderate in St. Louis. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.

Other things to consider for your St. Louis vs. Stockton move

  • Weather: Stockton is characterized by hot to sweltering, arid summers and pleasant to warm winters.
  • HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in California, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Stockton Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Stockton

With your sights set on Asparagus Capital of the World, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Stockton.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Stonewood
  • Spanos Park
  • Weston Ranch
  • Lincoln Village Proper
  • Lakeview

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Brookside
  • Spanos Park
  • Stonewood
  • Lincoln Village West
  • Weston Ranch

Things to do in Stockton

After getting comfortable in your new California home, it's time to see what Stockton is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: Stockton is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Haggin Museum and Children's Museum of Stockton.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's University Park World Peace Rose Garden — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.'
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Stockton Heat (AHL), Stockton Kings (NBA G League), or Stockton Ports (Low-A West) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from St. Louis to Stockton?

The best time to move from St. Louis to Stockton is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in St. Louis.

When is the cheapest time to move from St. Louis to Stockton?

With many people choosing to move from St. Louis to Stockton in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from St. Louis to Stockton take?

The 2,018-mile move from St. Louis, MO, to Stockton, CA, takes six to 17 days. Some St. Louis movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Stockton.

Helpful moving resources