($1,082+) Modesto, CA to Fargo, ND Movers
The cost to move from Modesto, CA to Fargo, ND ranges from $1,276 to $10,850, with an average cost of $4,000. Moves can be as low as $1,082 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,758 miles and usually takes 5 to 16 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
Compare moving options from Modesto, CA to Fargo, ND
Moving options from Modesto to Fargo fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,276 - $10,850 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,000, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,758 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,758-mile route from Modesto to Fargo, 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 $1,276 - $5,605 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,527 - $2,941), rental truck ($1,104 - $2,020), or freight trailer ($1,416 - $2,753). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,433 - $7,026 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $10,850.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Modesto, CA to Fargo, ND
Hiring full-service movers from Modesto, California, to Fargo, North Dakota, costs between $1,276 and $10,850. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,758-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $318 - $2,120, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Modesto and Fargo. For a rough baseline, movers based in Modesto tend to start around $314 plus $128/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Modesto to Fargo:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,276 - $5,605
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,433 - $7,026
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,393 - $10,850
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 Modesto to Fargo.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to North Dakota. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Modesto, CA to Fargo, ND
Specialty needs vary by market — 79% of Modesto movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Fargo, 50% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $530 - $5,300 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready79% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Pete's Moving Services | $212 - $1,272/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $318 - $2,544 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage21% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs14% of local movers | $1,060 - $3,180 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,650 - $10,600 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $794 - $1,508 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items36% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Grace Moving Company | $1,060 - $2,650 |
| Piano | Any piano type71% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Grace Moving Company | $848 - $3,710 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $318 - $1,590 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect21% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: MidCal Moving and Storage Company | $689 - $2,120 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $318 - $15,900+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $318 - $3,710+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Modesto to Fargo?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Modesto, CA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Modesto, CA to Fargo, ND
Moving containers from Modesto, California, to Fargo, North Dakota, cost between $1,527 and $5,251. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Modesto costs roughly $120/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Modesto to Fargo:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,527 - $2,941
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,933 - $4,034
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,860 - $5,251
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 $159 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 $742 in Modesto, CA, 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 Fargo, ND, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to North Dakota 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 $1,527. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,933 - $4,034, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Modesto to Fargo?
- 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 Modesto 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 Modesto:
- Brewer Moving LLC (4.9/5), 11 years in business
- MidCal Moving and Storage Company (4.6/5), 170 years in business
- Pack it up Movers (4.9/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Modesto, CA to Fargo, ND
A rental truck for this 1,758-mile move from Modesto, California, to Fargo, North Dakota, costs between $1,104 and $2,972. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $593 - $678
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Modesto daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.29
| 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 Modesto to Fargo based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,104 - $2,020
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,125 - $2,528
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,448 - $2,972
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,104 - $2,972 when pricing out a rental truck from Modesto to Fargo. Fuel alone runs ($593 - $678) , and overnight lodging ($159/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $159 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Modesto, California, usually costs about $742 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,758-mile drive falls between $593 and $678, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $53 and $318 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Modesto to Fargo?
- 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 Modesto, CA to Fargo, ND
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Modesto, California, to Fargo, North Dakota. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $954 and $3,458.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Modesto to Fargo:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,416 - $2,753
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,659 - $3,458
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,178 - $4,334
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?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $80 and $159.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Modesto, California, for roughly five hours typically average $742.
What are the best freight companies from Modesto to Fargo?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Speed Intermodal (4.7/5 stars): Speed Intermodal is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Modesto, CA vs Fargo, ND
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Fargo, side by side with Modesto on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Modesto, CA | Fargo, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 116 | 91 |
| Average rent | $1,800/mo | $1,055/mo |
| Median home value | $415,024 | $269,827 |
| Average income | $77,899/yr | $66,029/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 3.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 2.9% |
| Walkability score | 48/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 34.24/100 | 56.17/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
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 Fargo, ND to Modesto, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from California to North Dakota, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 374 movers in California, so you have real options to compare for this 1,758-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Modesto, CA, to Fargo, ND, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,276 for a studio to $10,850 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,758-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,527 - $5,251. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,104 - $2,972, 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 $3,433 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 Noridian Mutual Insurance Company and TMI Hospitality.
FAQs: Moving from Modesto, CA, to Fargo, ND
What are the best neighborhoods in Fargo?
For families, Rose Creek, Longfellow, and Southpointe are worth a look in Fargo. If you're moving solo or without kids, Longfellow, Rose Creek, and Southpointe tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Fargo?
Fargo has a walkability score of 45 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 49, compared to 48 and 48 in Modesto. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Fargo a safe place to live?
Fargo has a safety index of 56.17 out of 100 and a crime index of 8.0, compared to 34.24 and 65.76 in Modesto. 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 Modesto, CA to Fargo, ND?
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 Modesto, CA to Fargo, ND?
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.
What percentage of Modesto movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 71% of movers in Modesto handle piano moves, and 36% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.