Key factors that impact the cost of your Modesto to St. Louis movetoggle

The cost of Modesto movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Modesto to St. Louis (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,629, while larger moves may reach $13,238 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Modesto.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,420 to $3,574, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Modesto to St. Louis

Moving from Modesto to St. Louis comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since St. Louis is generally more expensive than Modesto, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Modesto St. Louis
Average rent cost $1,800 $1,250
Average home value $442,362 $171,463
Average income (per capita) $67,011 $66,090
Cost of living (single person) $2,312 $2,589
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,946 $6,573
Unemployment rate 8.0% 6.3%
Sales tax 8.88% 9.68%
State income tax 13.3% 4.8%
  • Rent prices in St. Louis are 31% lower than in Modesto, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in St. Louis.
    Home prices in St. Louis are 61.2% lower than in Modesto.
  • Income in St. Louis is 1.4% lower than in Modesto, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in St. Louis include BJC HealthCare, Walmart, and Washington University.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in St. Louis, since the cost of living for a single person in St. Louis is 12.0% higher than in Modesto. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to St. Louis, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in St. Louis is 10.5% higher than in Modesto.
  • The unemployment rate in St. Louis is 21.25% lower than in Modesto.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in St. Louis, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in St. Louis are 9.01% higher than in Modesto.
  • One perk of moving to St. Louis is paying less in state income taxes, which are 63.91% lower than in Modesto.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,359.43 in St. Louis to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Modesto.

How life is different in Modesto vs. St. Louis

St. Louis Modesto
Population 293,310 218,464
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 5
Walkability score 66 48
Bike friendliness score 58 48
Crime Index 69.65 65.76
Safety Index 30.35 34.24
Air Quality Moderate Moderate
  • The population of St. Louis is about 34% greater than Modesto, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • St. Louis offers better access to buses and trains than Modesto, based on public transportation ratings. St. Louis has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 5 in Modesto. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in St. Louis means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Modesto. St. Louis is considered more walkable than Modesto, with a score of 66 out of 100 versus 48 out of 100 in Modesto. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, St. Louis is considered more bike-friendly than Modesto in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. St. Louis has a bike-friendliness score of 58 out of 100, while Modesto is rated as 48 out of 100.
  • You can anticipate the same crime rate in St. Louis as Modesto. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80โ€“100.
  • St. Louis is generally as safe as Modesto, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
  • The air quality in St. Louis and Modesto is generally the same (Moderate). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Modesto vs. St. Louis move

  • Weather: St. Louis experiences hot summers, cold winters, many thunderstorms, and tornados. There's a chance that the climate will affect your move so be sure to check the forecast ahead of time.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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: Movers that provide local and intrastate relocation services in Missouri fall under the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Every household goods mover operating in the state is required to have a MoDOT Number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Missouri moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Missouri does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to St. Louis. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Opt for Released Value Protection, the budget-friendly choice with no extra cost from movers. This minimal coverage ensures that movers are liable for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per item. For a comprehensive coverage of your valuables, explore alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider. Ensure the full value of your items is covered by consulting with the moving company for suitable alternatives.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in St. Louis

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Chess Capital of the World ", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in St. Louis.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Central West End
  • Downtown
  • Lafayette Square
  • Shaw
  • Soulard

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Hi-Pointe
  • The Hill
  • Lindenwood Park
  • Shaw
  • Skinker DeBaliviere

Things to do in St. Louis

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Missouri, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what St. Louis has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: St. Louis features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the City Museum, Saint Louis Art Museum, The Magic House, Saint Louis Science Center, and Missouri History Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis Zoo, Forest Park, and Lone Elk Park โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an St. Louis Cardinals Baseball (MLB), St. Louis Blues (NHL), St. Louis City SC (MLS), or St. Louis BattleHawks (XFL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Modesto to St. Louis?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Modesto to St. Louis are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Modesto are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Modesto to St. Louis?

With many people choosing to move from Modesto to St. Louis in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Modesto to St. Louis take?

Moving from Modesto, CA to St. Louis, MO covers 2,044 miles and usually takes six to 17 days. Need to move faster? Some Modesto movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in St. Louis.

Helpful moving resources