($992+) Fargo, ND to Modesto, CA Movers
Moving from Fargo, ND, to Modesto, CA, runs anywhere from $992 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,064 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,758 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 $2,835, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $12,064 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,532 - $5,012, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $992 - $2,866.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Fargo, ND, to Modesto, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,630 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 Fargo, ND to Modesto, CA
Moving options from Fargo to Modesto fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,630 - $8,554 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 50% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 71% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,758 miles, this route usually takes 5 to 16 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,758-mile route from Fargo to Modesto, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,835 - $6,112 | $1,532 - $2,695 | $992 - $2,047 | $1,365 - $2,476 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,630 - $8,554 | $1,826 - $4,008 | $1,063 - $2,247 | $1,506 - $3,080 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,701 - $12,064 | $2,651 - $5,012 | $1,481 - $2,866 | $2,142 - $4,094 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Fargo, ND to Modesto, CA
Hiring full-service movers from Fargo, North Dakota, to Modesto, California, costs between $2,835 and $12,064. 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 $303 - $2,020, 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 Fargo and Modesto. For a rough baseline, movers based in Fargo tend to start around $264 plus $99/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 Fargo to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,835 - $6,112
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,630 - $8,554
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,701 - $12,064
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 Fargo to Modesto.
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 Fargo, ND to Modesto, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 33% of Fargo movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Modesto, 63% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing67% of local movers | $505 - $5,050 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready33% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $202 - $1,212/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $303 - $2,424 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage7% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs47% of local movers | $1,010 - $3,030 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,525 - $10,100 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $756 - $1,437 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% nationallyTop pick: Wrap & Pack Moving Company (ND) | $1,010 - $2,525 |
| Piano | Any piano type27% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $808 - $3,535 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $303 - $1,515 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Jobbers Moving & Storage | $657 - $2,020 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $303 - $15,150+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $303 - $3,535+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Fargo 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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Fargo, ND, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Fargo, ND to Modesto, CA
Moving containers from Fargo, North Dakota, to Modesto, California, cost between $1,532 and $5,012. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Modesto. If you go over that window, storage in Fargo adds around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Fargo to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,532 - $2,695
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,826 - $4,008
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,651 - $5,012
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $76 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $152 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 $707 in Fargo, ND, 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 Modesto, CA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a North Dakota 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 $1,532. 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 $1,826 - $4,008.
What are the best moving containers Fargo 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 Fargo 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 Fargo:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 24 years in business
- 5 Star Moving (4.3/5), 23 years in business
- His Workmanship - Fargo
Moving truck rental costs from Fargo, ND to Modesto, CA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,758-mile move from Fargo, North Dakota, to Modesto, California, costs between $992 and $2,866, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $565 - $646
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Fargo daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Fargo to Modesto based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $992 - $2,047
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,063 - $2,247
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,481 - $2,866
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $992 - $2,866 when pricing out a rental truck from Fargo to Modesto. Fuel alone runs $565 - $646, and overnight lodging ($152/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $565 - $646 for the 1,758-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Fargo, North Dakota, for about 5 hours typically costs around $707.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,758-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $152 per night, adding $303 - $455 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $51 and $303.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Fargo 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 Fargo, ND to Modesto, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Fargo, North Dakota, to Modesto, California. 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 $909 and $3,080.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Fargo to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,365 - $2,476
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,506 - $3,080
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,142 - $4,094
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 $76 and $152.
- 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 Fargo, North Dakota, for roughly five hours typically average $707.
What are the best freight companies from Fargo to Modesto?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Modesto fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Fargo, ND 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 Fargo on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Fargo, ND | Modesto, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 91 | 116 |
| Average rent | $1,055/mo | $1,800/mo |
| Median home value | $269,827 | $415,024 |
| Average income | $66,029/yr | $77,899/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 2.9% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 48/100 |
| Safety index | 56.17/100 | 34.24/100 |
| Air quality | Good | 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 Fargo, ND guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from North Dakota to California, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 21 movers licensed in North Dakota, useful context for sizing up this 1,758-mile move.
Our take
A move from Fargo, ND, to Modesto, CA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,835 - $12,064 on the 1,758-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,532 - $5,012, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $992 - $2,866. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,630 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Save Mart Supermarkets and Sutter Central Valley Hospitals.
FAQs: Moving from Fargo, ND, to Modesto, CA
What do local movers charge in Fargo?
Local movers based in Fargo typically start around $264 as a base rate, plus $99/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Modesto run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Fargo, ND 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.
How much does it cost to move from Fargo, ND to Modesto, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $992 to $12,064, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,835 and $12,064, 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.
How walkable is Modesto?
Modesto has a walkability score of 48 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 48, compared to 45 and 49 in Fargo. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($565 - $646), daily insurance ($30/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $152/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Fargo movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 27% of movers in Fargo handle piano moves, compared to 40% nationally.