Fargo, ND to Irvine, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Fargo to Irvine typically costs $4,000–$9,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,796 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Fargo to Irvine
Moving from Fargo, ND to Irvine, CA typically costs $4,000–$9,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,796-mile move from Fargo to Irvine, 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
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $4,157 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $3,411 for a 4 bedroom using a moving container.
- AB Moving recently quoted $4,346 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Feb 16, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 24, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 22, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 08, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 07, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Dec 24, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 24, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 09, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 06, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 06, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Fargo to Irvine move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,900 for a one-bedroom, or up to $13,700 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Fargo.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $1,200 to $3,100, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Irvine, CA to Fargo, ND guide.
Best Fargo to Irvine movers by type
Professional
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Fargo to Irvine
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Fargo to Irvine much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
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 ND→CA movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 11 North Dakota movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Fargo to Irvine
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Irvine runs about 485% higher for singles and 446% higher for families than Fargo.
Singles spend around $9,167 in Irvine versus $1,566 in Fargo; families pay $18,000 compared with $3,299.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Fargo | Irvine | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $963 | $2,719 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,563 | $4,575 |
| Average home value | $287,548 | $1,561,760 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,493 | $114,027 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,566 | $9,167 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,299 | $18,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 5.4% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 7.75% |
| State income tax | 2.9% | 13.3% |
- Planning a move to Irvine? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 279% higher than in Fargo, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Irvine are about 443% higher than those in Fargo.
- Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 92% higher in Irvine compared to Fargo, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Irvine, as living costs for a single person are 485% higher than in Fargo. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you're moving your family to Irvine, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Irvine is 446% higher than in Fargo.
- Irvine shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Fargo by around 50%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes hold steady between Irvine and Fargo (within a 5% margin), alleviating the need for major budget adjustments.
- Income taxes in California are 359% above those in North Dakota. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Fargo and Irvine:
| Living Expense | Fargo | Irvine |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $159.44 | $200.96 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.00 | $54.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.00 | $4.50 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.25 | $4.59 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $50.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $55.00 | $54.17 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Fargo than in Irvine, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Fargo than in Irvine.
- Eggs are less expensive in Fargo than in Irvine.
- Bread costs less in Fargo than in Irvine.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Fargo than in Irvine.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Fargo than in Irvine.
- Gym memberships cost more in Fargo than in Irvine.
How life is different in Fargo vs. Irvine
| Fargo | Irvine | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,990 | 307,670 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 43 |
| Bike friendliness score | 49 | 69 |
| Crime index | 8.0 | 31.01 |
| Safety index | 56.17 | 68.99 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Irvine's population is about 144% greater than Fargo.
- Irvine's public transportation score is within about 5% of Fargo, making them very similar.
- Irvine and Fargo are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 69 out of 100, Irvine is more bike-friendly than Fargo, which has a score of 49 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Irvine's crime rate is higher than Fargo with a score of 31.01 compared to Fargo's 8.0. This means that Irvine neighborhoods are safer than 31.01% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Fargo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0%.
- Irvine is considered to be safer than Fargo with a safety index of 68.99 vs Fargo's 56.17.
- Air quality in Irvine is Good, and in Fargo it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Fargo to Irvine move
- 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, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: California’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Irvine. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Irvine
Planning your move to ? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Irvine.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Westpark
- Westpark II
- Oak Creek
- Woodbridge
- University Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Westpark II
- Turtle Rock
- Woodbridge
- South Irvine
- Northwood Point
Things to do in Irvine
After settling into your new California home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Irvine has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Irvine features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Pretend City Children's Museum, Jack & Shanaz Langson Institute & Museum of California Art, and Museum of Woman.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Orange County Great Park, Adventure Playground, William R. Mason Regional Park, and Turtle Rock Community Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an UC Irvine Anteaters (Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball, Water Polo)Adult Basketball LeaguesAdult Soccer LeaguesAdult Softball LeaguesTennis LeagueSand Volleyball LeagueKickball League game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Fargo to Irvine?
Planning your move from Fargo to Irvine? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Fargo.
When is the cheapest time to move from Fargo to Irvine?
Because most people are moving from Fargo to Irvine in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Fargo to Irvine take?
The 1,796-mile journey from Fargo, ND to Irvine, CA, typically takes five to 16 days. Some movers in Fargo offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Irvine.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Fargo?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Fargo, 5 movers can manage piano relocations. 2 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, North Dakota has 9 piano movers and 4 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
