($1,603+) Jersey City, NJ to Modesto, CA Movers
Moving from Jersey City, NJ, to Modesto, CA, runs anywhere from $1,603 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,158 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,885 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,406, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,158 or more.
- Moving containers run $2,046 - $6,933, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,603 - $4,413.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Jersey City, NJ, to Modesto, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,964 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Jersey City, NJ to Modesto, CA
Moving options from Jersey City to Modesto fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,964 - $7,960 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 36% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 59% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 2,885-mile route typically takes 7 to 21 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,885-mile route from Jersey City to Modesto, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,406 - $5,462 | $2,046 - $3,646 | $1,603 - $3,019 | $1,789 - $3,315 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,964 - $7,960 | $2,528 - $5,395 | $1,634 - $3,485 | $1,942 - $4,020 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,819 - $11,158 | $3,455 - $6,933 | $2,175 - $4,413 | $2,876 - $6,009 |
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 Jersey City, NJ to Modesto, CA
Full-service movers for the 2,885-mile relocation from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Modesto, California, cost between $2,406 and $11,158. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $391 - $2,608, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Jersey City typically charge a base rate around $256 plus $139 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Jersey City to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,406 - $5,462
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,964 - $7,960
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,819 - $11,158
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 Jersey City to Modesto.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from New Jersey to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Jersey City, NJ to Modesto, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 61% of Jersey City movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Modesto, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing71% of local movers | $652 - $6,520 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready61% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $261 - $1,565/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $391 - $3,130 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs46% of local movers | $1,304 - $3,912 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,260 - $13,040 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $977 - $1,856 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $1,304 - $3,260 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $1,043 - $4,564 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $391 - $1,956 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect3% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (NJ) | $848 - $2,608 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $391 - $19,560+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $391 - $4,564+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Jersey City to Modesto?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in California Moving & Storage Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Jersey City, NJ. 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 Jersey City, NJ to Modesto, CA
Moving containers from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Modesto, California, cost between $2,046 and $6,933. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Modesto. If you go over that window, storage in Jersey City adds around $130/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Jersey City to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,046 - $3,646
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,528 - $5,395
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,455 - $6,933
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 $913 in Jersey City, NJ. 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 $98 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $196 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 Modesto, CA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a New Jersey to California 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 $2,046. 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 $2,528 - $5,395.
What are the best moving containers Jersey City to Modesto?
- 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 Jersey City 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 Jersey City:
- Piece of Cake Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- Moishe's Moving Systems (4.5/5), 33 years in business
- Metropolis Moving, Inc. (4.9/5), 11 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Jersey City, NJ to Modesto, CA
Plan on $1,603 - $4,413 for a rental moving truck on the 2,885-mile route from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Modesto, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,197 - $1,368
- Daily insurance: $39/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
- Jersey City daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $0.99
| 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 Jersey City to Modesto based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,603 - $3,019
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,634 - $3,485
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,175 - $4,413
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,603 - $4,413 when pricing out a rental truck from Jersey City to Modesto. Fuel alone runs $1,197 - $1,368, and overnight lodging ($196/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $1,197 - $1,368 for the 2,885-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Jersey City, New Jersey, for about 5 hours typically costs around $913.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 2,885-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $196 per night, adding $391 - $587 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $65 and $391.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Jersey City to Modesto?
- 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 Jersey City, NJ to Modesto, CA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Modesto, California, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,942 and $4,020.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Jersey City to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,789 - $3,315
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,942 - $4,020
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,876 - $6,009
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Jersey City, New Jersey, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $913.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $98 - $196 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Jersey City to Modesto?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
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: Jersey City, NJ vs Modesto, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Modesto, side by side with Jersey City on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Jersey City, NJ | Modesto, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 140 | 116 |
| Average rent | $2,975/mo | $1,800/mo |
| Median home value | $538,163 | $415,024 |
| Average income | $94,813/yr | $77,899/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 8.3% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 10.7% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 87/100 | 48/100 |
| Safety index | 56.79/100 | 34.24/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Modesto, CA to Jersey City, NJ guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from New Jersey to California, 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 315 movers licensed in New Jersey, useful context for sizing up this 2,885-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 2,885-mile route from Jersey City, NJ, to Modesto, CA, run $2,406 - $11,158 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $2,046 - $6,933, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,603 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,964, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Save Mart Supermarkets and Sutter Central Valley Hospitals.
FAQs: Moving from Jersey City, NJ, to Modesto, CA
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
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.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($1,197 - $1,368), daily insurance ($39/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $26) on top. Overnight stops can add another $196/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Modesto?
Modesto has a walkability score of 48 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 48, compared to 87 and 64 in Jersey City. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Jersey City, NJ to Modesto, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,603 to $11,158, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,406 and $11,158, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Jersey City, NJ to Modesto, CA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What percentage of Jersey City movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Jersey City handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.