Salt Lake City, UT to Modesto, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Salt Lake City to Modesto typically costs $2,600–$6,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 721 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Salt Lake City to Modesto
Moving from Salt Lake City, UT to Modesto, CA typically costs $2,600–$6,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 721-mile move from Salt Lake City to Modesto, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $1,590 for a 2 bedroom using a moving container.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $739 for a 2 bedroom using a rental truck.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $2,845 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
2 Bedrooms
Feb 09, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 08, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 07, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 06, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 01, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 27, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 23, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 20, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 05, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Nov 27, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Salt Lake City to Modesto
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,700, but larger homes can run up to $9,400.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Salt Lake City.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($600–$1,500) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Modesto, CA to Salt Lake City, UT guide.
Best Salt Lake City to Modesto movers by type
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Local
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Salt Lake City to Modesto
For a stress-free interstate move from Salt Lake City to Modesto, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best UT→CA movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 33 Utah moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Salt Lake City to Modesto
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Modesto runs about 6% higher for singles and 23% higher for families than Salt Lake City.
Singles spend around $2,312 in Modesto versus $2,172 in Salt Lake City; families pay $5,946 compared with $4,827.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Salt Lake City | Modesto | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,618 | $1,446 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,727 | $2,467 |
| Average home value | $549,528 | $442,362 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,975 | $67,011 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,172 | $2,312 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,827 | $5,946 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 8.0% |
| Sales tax | 7.75% | 8.88% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 13.3% |
- As you consider relocating to Modesto, note that rent can be roughly 20% more expensive than it is in Salt Lake City; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 20% lower in Modesto than in Salt Lake City.
- The average income in Modesto and Salt Lake City is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Plan for higher expenses in Modesto, since the cost of living for a single person is 6% more than in Salt Lake City. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Modesto, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Modesto is 23% more than it is in Salt Lake City.
- The unemployment rate in Modesto is 167% higher compared to Salt Lake City, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 15% higher in Modesto than in Salt Lake City. This means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 169% higher in California compared to Utah. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state's tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Salt Lake City with Modesto:
| Living Expense | Salt Lake City | Modesto |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $183.16 | $229.35 |
| Cell phone plan | $67.42 | $62.91 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.28 | $5.67 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.36 | $3.61 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $82.50 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $27.89 | $41.33 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Salt Lake City than in Modesto, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Salt Lake City than in Modesto.
- Eggs are less expensive in Salt Lake City than in Modesto.
- Bread costs less in Salt Lake City than in Modesto.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Salt Lake City than in Modesto.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Salt Lake City than in Modesto.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Salt Lake City than in Modesto.
How life is different in Salt Lake City vs. Modesto
| Salt Lake City | Modesto | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,133 | 218,464 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 59 | 48 |
| Bike friendliness score | 74 | 48 |
| Crime index | 34.64 | 65.76 |
| Safety index | 65.36 | 34.24 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Modesto's population is about 9% greater than Salt Lake City.
- Modesto's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Salt Lake City's score of 8.
- Modesto is less walkable than Salt Lake City with a score of 48 out of 100 vs Salt Lake City's 59 out of 100.
- Modesto has a bike-friendliness score of 48 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Salt Lake City, which has a score of 74.
- Modesto's crime rate is higher than Salt Lake City with a score of 65.76 compared to Salt Lake City's 34.64. This means that Modesto neighborhoods are safer than 65.76% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Salt Lake City neighborhoods are safer than 34.64%.
- Modesto is considered to be less safe than Salt Lake City with a score of 34.24 vs Salt Lake City's 65.36.
- Air quality in Modesto is Moderate, and in Salt Lake City it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Salt Lake City to Modesto move
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While California doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Modesto smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Modesto
Now that you've chosen City of Great Neighbors as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Modesto to check out.
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
After getting comfortable in your new California home, it's time to see what Modesto is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Modesto offers cultural landmarks like the Great Valley Museum, McHenry Museum, and Mistlin Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Tuolumne River Trail — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- 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 Salt Lake City to Modesto?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Salt Lake City to Modesto are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Salt Lake City are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Salt Lake City to Modesto?
Because spring and fall moves from Salt Lake City to Modesto are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Salt Lake City to Modesto take?
A move of 721 miles from Salt Lake City, UT to Modesto, CA generally takes one to six days. Movers in Salt Lake City sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Modesto is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Salt Lake City?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 1 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 2 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Salt Lake City offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 18 movers in Salt Lake City have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 13 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across UT, there are 26 piano movers and 18 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
