Fact Checked by: Quick answer: For a 2,860-mile move from Philadelphia to Modesto, expect to spend around $2,075–$10,093 and seven to 21 days in transit. Cost and time vary by move size, date, and whether you're going DIY or using a moving company.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Modesto to Philadelphia guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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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 Philadelphia to Modesto
Picking a long-distance moving company for your move from Philadelphia to Modesto 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.
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Safeway Moving
 Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned |
American Van Lines
Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned |
Allied Van Lines
Specialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experience |
Mayzlin Relocation
Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing |
North American Van Lines
1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans |
How we chose the best moving companies for your PA to CA move
Local moving companies in Philadelphia
- Anchor Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Transtar Moving Systems: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 125550
Years in Business: 51
DOT #: 125550
Alternate Names: Anchor Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 39PC00058806
Years in Business: 63
DOT #: 939629
Alternate Names: A Action Family Moving Company, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 39PM00121400
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: All My Sons of New Jersey LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 8922046
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: TMT MISSION 1 LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2878240
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Philadelphia to Modesto?
Philadelphia movers charge $130 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 | $1,668 - $6,829 | $1,759 - $4,650 | $1,915 - $3,601 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,978 - $10,093 | $3,118 - $6,786 | $2,075 - $4,468 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $9,185 - $15,037 | $4,218 - $8,813 | $2,649 - $5,263 |
Cost to hire movers from Pennsylvania to California
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Pennsylvania to California, you can expect prices to land between $1,668 and $6,829. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $4,978 to $10,093 for the trip from PA to CA. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $9,185 and $15,037.
Cost of moving containers from Pennsylvania to California
If you're moving from Pennsylvania to California, expect to pay between $1,759 and $4,650 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $3,118 up to $6,786. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $4,218 and $8,813. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Pennsylvania.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Pennsylvania to California
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,915 and $3,601 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $2,075 to $4,468. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $2,649 to $5,263.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors influencing moving costs from Philadelphia to Modesto
What to know before moving from Philadelphia to Modesto
Moving from Philadelphia to Modesto means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Philadelphia than in Modesto, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Philadelphia compares to Modesto so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Philadelphia | Modesto | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,695 | $1,800 |
| Average home value | $216,914 | $442,362 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,746 | $67,011 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,541 | $2,312 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,190 | $5,946 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 8.0% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 8.88% |
| State income tax | 3.07% | 13.3% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Modesto, since prices are typically 6% higher than in Philadelphia.
- The home prices in Modesto are 103.9% higher than in Philadelphia, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- Income in Modesto is 5.3% lower than in Philadelphia, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Modesto — including Save Mart Supermarkets, Sutter Central Valley Hospitals, and E. & J. Gallo Winery — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Modesto. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 9.0% lower than in Philadelphia.
- A move to Modesto can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 3.9% less than what it costs in Philadelphia.
- The unemployment rate in Modesto is 24.53% lower than in Philadelphia.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Modesto, since its sales taxes are 11.00% higher than what you are paying in Philadelphia.
- State income taxes in Modesto are 333.22% higher than in Philadelphia.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,729.63 in Modesto to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Philadelphia.
How life is different in Philadelphia vs. Modesto
| Modesto | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 1,603,797 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 48 | 75 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 67 |
| Crime Index | 65.76 | 66.09 |
| Safety Index | 34.24 | 33.91 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Modesto's population is about 86% less than Philadelphia.
- Modesto's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Philadelphia's higher score of 9.
- Modesto is less walkable than Philadelphia with a score of 48 out of 100 vs Philadelphia's 75 out of 100.
- Modesto has a bike-friendliness score 48 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Philadelphia, which has a score of 67 out of 100.
- Modesto and Philadelphia have a similar crime rate.
- Modesto and Philadelphia are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Modesto is moderate, and in Philadelphia it's good.
Other things to consider for your Philadelphia vs. Modesto move
- Weather: Modesto has mild winters with moderate rainfall and long, hot, dry summers.
- 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 Modesto 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 Modesto
Ready to relocate to City of Great Neighbors? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Modesto.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Modesto
- College Area
- McHenry Village
- Northwest Modesto
- Airport
Best neighborhoods for families
- Del Rio
- Dutch Hollow
- La Loma
- Village One
- Sherwood Forest
Things to do in Modesto
Now that you've made the move to California it's the perfect time to explore Modesto From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Modesto features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Great Valley Museum, McHenry Museum, and Mistlin Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Tuolumne River Trail — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Modesto Nuts (California League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Philadelphia to Modesto?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Philadelphia to Modesto. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Philadelphia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Philadelphia to Modesto?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Philadelphia to Modesto moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Philadelphia to Modesto take?
Covering 2,860 miles, the move from Philadelphia, PA to Modesto, CA typically takes seven to 21 days. Some Philadelphia movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Modesto can help bridge the gap.
