($1,117+) McAllen, TX to Modesto, CA Movers
Moving from McAllen, TX, to Modesto, CA, runs anywhere from $1,117 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,696 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,904 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 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 $2,347, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,696 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,534 - $5,427, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,117 - $3,134.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from McAllen, TX, to Modesto, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,371 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 McAllen, TX to Modesto, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from McAllen to Modesto: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $3,371 - $6,958. Moving containers run about 41% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 63% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 5 to 16 days for this 1,904-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,904-mile route from McAllen to Modesto, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,347 - $5,045 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,534 - $2,992), rental truck ($1,117 - $2,172), or freight trailer ($1,366 - $2,615). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,371 - $6,958 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $10,696.
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 McAllen, TX to Modesto, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,904-mile move from McAllen, Texas, to Modesto, California, with costs ranging from $2,347 - $10,696. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $276 - $1,840. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between McAllen and Modesto. Local movers in McAllen typically start around $160 as a base rate plus $80/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from McAllen to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,347 - $5,045
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,371 - $6,958
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,195 - $10,696
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 McAllen to Modesto.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from McAllen, TX to Modesto, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of McAllen 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 packing50% of local movers | $460 - $4,600 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready63% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: PODS Moving & Storage | $184 - $1,104/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $276 - $2,208 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs13% of local movers | $920 - $2,760 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,300 - $9,200 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $689 - $1,309 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items13% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Rick's Moving & Storage LLC | $920 - $2,300 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Rick's Moving & Storage LLC | $736 - $3,220 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling13% of local movers | $276 - $1,380 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationallyTop pick: InNout Movers (TX) | $598 - $1,840 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $276 - $13,800+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $276 - $3,220+ |
What are the best full-service movers from McAllen 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in McAllen, 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 McAllen, TX to Modesto, CA
Moving containers from McAllen, Texas, to Modesto, California, cost between $1,534 and $5,427. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in McAllen typically costs about $55/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from McAllen to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,534 - $2,992
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,983 - $4,111
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,686 - $5,427
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $69 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $138 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Modesto, CA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $644 in McAllen, TX. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
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 $1,534. 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 $1,983 - $4,111.
What are the best moving containers McAllen 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 McAllen 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 McAllen:
- PODS Moving & Storage (3.7/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from McAllen, TX to Modesto, CA
Truck rentals from McAllen, Texas, to Modesto, California, range from $1,117 - $3,134 for the 1,904-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $557 - $637
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- McAllen daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.69
| 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 McAllen to Modesto based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,117 - $2,172
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,232 - $2,434
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,570 - $3,134
Pro tip: A rental truck from McAllen to Modesto looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,117 - $3,134. But once you factor in fuel ($557 - $637), overnight lodging ($138/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $138 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $60 and $299 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $557 - $637 in fuel for the 1,904-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $644 in McAllen, Texas, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from McAllen 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 McAllen, TX to Modesto, CA
For larger DIY moves from McAllen, Texas, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Modesto, California.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,650 and $3,224.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from McAllen to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,366 - $2,615
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,650 - $3,224
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,127 - $4,254
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In McAllen, Texas, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $644.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $69 - $138 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 McAllen to Modesto?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from McAllen 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: McAllen, 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 McAllen on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | McAllen, TX | Modesto, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 76 | 116 |
| Average rent | $1,350/mo | $1,800/mo |
| Median home value | $173,919 | $415,024 |
| Average income | $60,165/yr | $77,899/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 41/100 | 48/100 |
| Safety index | 63.74/100 | 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 McAllen, 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 843 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,904-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from McAllen, TX, to Modesto, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,347 for a studio to $10,696 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,904-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,534 - $5,427. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,117 - $3,134, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,371 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Save Mart Supermarkets and Sutter Central Valley Hospitals.
FAQs: Moving from McAllen, TX, 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 ($557 - $637), daily insurance ($28/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $138/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 41 and 46 in McAllen. 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 McAllen, TX to Modesto, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,117 to $10,696, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,347 and $10,696, 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 McAllen, 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 percentage of McAllen movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in McAllen handle piano moves, and 13% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.