($1,083+) Dallas, TX to Modesto, CA Movers

Easily compare and book your next move with moveBuddha
Background image of a moving truck moving from Dallas, TX to Modesto, CA

Moving from Dallas, TX, to Modesto, CA, runs anywhere from $1,042 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,731 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,651 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 4 to 15 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 $2,505, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,731 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,543 - $5,071, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,042 - $2,996.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Dallas, TX, to Modesto, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,338 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Dallas, TX to Modesto, CA

There are 3 main ways to move from Dallas to Modesto: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,338 - $7,546. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,651 miles, expect 4 to 15 days in transit no matter which service you choose.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,651-mile route from Dallas to Modesto, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,505 - $5,555 $1,543 - $2,735 $1,042 - $1,980 $1,375 - $2,640
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,338 - $7,546 $1,935 - $4,103 $1,116 - $2,238 $1,579 - $3,028
4+ bedrooms $6,088 - $10,731 $2,532 - $5,071 $1,377 - $2,996 $2,154 - $4,441

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Dallas, TX to Modesto, CA

Full-service movers for the 1,651-mile relocation from Dallas, Texas, to Modesto, California, cost between $2,505 and $10,731. 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 $319 - $2,128, 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 Dallas typically charge a base rate around $179 plus $60 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Dallas to Modesto:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,505 - $5,555
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,338 - $7,546
  • 4+ bedrooms: $6,088 - $10,731

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 Dallas to Modesto.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Texas to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.

Don't see your company listed?

Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.

Get Started

Specialty moving services from Dallas, TX to Modesto, CA

Specialty needs vary by market — 94% of Dallas movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Modesto, 79% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing99% of local movers$532 - $5,320
Storage in transitNew place not ready94% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: AB Moving$213 - $1,277/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$319 - $2,554
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage26% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs69% of local movers$1,064 - $3,192
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,660 - $10,640
Car shippingSecond vehicle$797 - $1,514
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items50% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: AB Moving$1,064 - $2,660
PianoAny piano type64% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: AB Moving$851 - $3,724
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling36% of local movers$319 - $1,596
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: AB Moving$692 - $2,128
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$319 - $15,960+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$319 - $3,724+

What are the best full-service movers from Dallas to Modesto?

All three below meet the standards set by the California Moving & Storage Association, the group most California movers are affiliated with.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Dallas, TX. 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 Dallas, TX to Modesto, CA

Moving containers from Dallas, Texas, to Modesto, California, cost between $1,543 and $5,071. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Dallas typically runs around $80/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Dallas to Modesto:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,543 - $2,735
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,935 - $4,103
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,532 - $5,071

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $80 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $160 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
  • Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $745 in Dallas, TX, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
  • Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Modesto, CA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Texas 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 $1,543. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,935 - $4,103, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Dallas to Modesto?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Dallas 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 Dallas:

  • AB Moving (4.5/5), 26 years in business
  • AM Moving Company LLC (4.4/5), 11 years in business
  • 3 Men Movers (4.8/5), 41 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Dallas, TX to Modesto, CA

Plan on $1,042 - $2,996 for a rental moving truck on the 1,651-mile route from Dallas, Texas, to Modesto, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:

  • Fuel for the drive: $559 - $639
  • Daily insurance: $32/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
  • Dallas daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Dallas to Modesto based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,042 - $1,980
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,116 - $2,238
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,377 - $2,996

Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,042 - $2,996 does not include fuel ($559 - $639) , lodging ($160/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Dallas to Modesto typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $80 and $372.
  • Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $160.
  • Gas: Expect fuel to run between $559 and $639 for the 1,651-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $745 for 2 movers in Dallas, Texas, for about 5 hours.
  • Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Dallas to Modesto?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Dallas, TX to Modesto, CA

Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Dallas, Texas, 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. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,579 and $3,028.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Dallas to Modesto:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,375 - $2,640
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,579 - $3,028
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,154 - $4,441

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 Dallas, Texas, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $745.
  • More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $80 - $160 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 Dallas to Modesto?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
  3. Hazel's Expedited Freight (4.62/5 stars): Hazel's Expedited Freight is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.

Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Dallas to Modesto. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.

Cost of living: Dallas, TX 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 Dallas on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Dallas, TX Modesto, CA
Cost of living index100116
Average rent$1,774/mo$1,800/mo
Median home value$303,018$415,024
Average income$67,760/yr$77,899/yr
Unemployment rate3.6%8.0%
State income taxNoneUp to 13.3%
Walkability score46/10048/100
Safety index48.6/10034.24/100
Air qualityGoodModerate

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 Dallas, TX guide.

Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:

Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Texas to California, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Texas alone has 289 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,651-mile move like this one.

30%+
Save 30%+
Comparing movers before booking saves moveBuddha users more than 30% on average.
$1K
$1,000 in coverage
Choose a moveBuddha Certified mover for added coverage plus dedicated support.
Dispute mediation
We provide dispute mediation if something goes wrong with a Certified mover.

Our take

How you handle your interstate move from Dallas, TX, to Modesto, CA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,505 - $10,731 on the 1,651-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,543 - $5,071 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,042 - $2,996 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,338 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Save Mart Supermarkets and Sutter Central Valley Hospitals.

FAQs: Moving from Dallas, TX, to Modesto, CA

Is Modesto a safe place to live?

Modesto has a safety index of 34.24 out of 100 and a crime index of 65.76, compared to 48.6 and 51.4 in Dallas. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.

What are some tips for saving money on a move from Dallas, TX 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 is the best time of year to move from Dallas, TX to Modesto, CA?

Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.

How long does a move from Dallas, TX to Modesto, CA take?

Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($559 - $639), daily insurance ($32/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $160/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

What percentage of Dallas movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 64% of movers in Dallas handle piano moves, and 50% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.