($1,137+) Fargo, ND to Oakland, CA Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Fargo, ND to Oakland, CA

Moving from Fargo, ND, to Oakland, CA, runs anywhere from $1,082 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,133 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,769 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 $2,884, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $12,133 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,527 - $5,583, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,082 - $2,972.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Fargo, ND, to Oakland, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,725 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Fargo, ND to Oakland, CA

Moving options from Fargo to Oakland fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,725 - $8,961 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,769 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 1,769-mile route from Fargo to Oakland, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,884 - $6,274 $1,527 - $2,853 $1,082 - $2,040 $1,374 - $2,674
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,725 - $8,961 $2,114 - $4,117 $1,160 - $2,379 $1,659 - $3,227
4+ bedrooms $7,234 - $12,133 $2,860 - $5,583 $1,537 - $2,972 $2,178 - $4,466

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Fargo, ND to Oakland, CA

A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,769-mile move from Fargo, North Dakota, to Oakland, California, with prices running from $2,884 - $12,133. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $399 - $2,660 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Fargo and Oakland are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Fargo movers tend to run around $264 as a base rate plus $99/hour per mover, for comparison.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Fargo to Oakland:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,884 - $6,274
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,725 - $8,961
  • 4+ bedrooms: $7,234 - $12,133

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 Oakland.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from North Dakota to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.

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Specialty moving services from Fargo, ND to Oakland, CA

Specialty needs vary by market — 50% of Fargo movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Oakland, 85% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing83% of local movers$665 - $6,650
Storage in transitNew place not ready50% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$266 - $1,596/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$399 - $3,192
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage50% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers$1,330 - $3,990
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$3,325 - $13,300
Car shippingSecond vehicle$996 - $1,893
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items17% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Midwest Moving Company$1,330 - $3,325
PianoAny piano type67% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$1,064 - $4,655
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling33% of local movers$399 - $1,995
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Midwest Moving Company$865 - $2,660
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$399 - $19,950+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$399 - $4,655+

What are the best full-service movers from Fargo to Oakland?

California Moving & Storage Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in California, on top of the picks below.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.

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 Oakland, CA

Moving containers from Fargo, North Dakota, to Oakland, California, cost between $1,527 and $5,583. 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 Oakland. 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 Oakland:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,527 - $2,853
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,114 - $4,117
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,860 - $5,583

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Access: Most major container brands operate in both Fargo, ND and Oakland, CA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
  • Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $931 in Fargo, ND, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $100 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $200 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
  • Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.

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 $1,527. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,114 - $4,117, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Fargo to Oakland?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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
  • Midwest Moving Company (4.8/5), 8 years in business
  • 5 Star Moving (4.3/5), 23 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Fargo, ND to Oakland, CA

Plan on $1,082 - $2,972 for a rental moving truck on the 1,769-mile route from Fargo, North Dakota, to Oakland, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:

  • Fuel for the drive: $749 - $856
  • Daily insurance: $40/day
  • Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
  • Fargo daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Fargo to Oakland based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,082 - $2,040
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,160 - $2,379
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,537 - $2,972

Pro tip: A rental truck from Fargo to Oakland looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,082 - $2,972. But once you factor in fuel ($749 - $856) , overnight lodging ($200/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $749 - $856 for the 1,769-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 $931.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 1,769-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $200 per night, adding $399 - $599 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $67 and $399.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Fargo to Oakland?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Oakland, CA

Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Fargo, North Dakota, to Oakland, California. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.

Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,659 and $3,227.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Fargo to Oakland:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,374 - $2,674
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,659 - $3,227
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,178 - $4,466

Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.

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 $100 and $200.
  • 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 $931.

What are the best freight companies from Fargo to Oakland?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
  3. Magnum Ltd (4.96/5 stars): Magnum Ltd is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.

Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Fargo to Oakland, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.

Cost of living: Fargo, ND vs Oakland, CA

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Oakland, side by side with Fargo on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Fargo, ND Oakland, CA
Cost of living index91196
Average rent$1,055/mo$2,200/mo
Median home value$269,827$925,411
Average income$66,029/yr$97,369/yr
Unemployment rate3.6%4.5%
State income taxUp to 2.9%Up to 13.3%
Walkability score45/10075/100
Safety index56.17/10031.38/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 Oakland, 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 10 movers licensed in North Dakota, useful context for sizing up this 1,769-mile move.

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Our take

The 1,769-mile move from Fargo, ND, to Oakland, CA, costs between $2,884 and $12,133 with full-service movers, $1,527 - $5,583 with a moving container, and $1,082 - $2,972 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,725 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Kaiser Permanente and Dreyer's.

FAQs: Moving from Fargo, ND, to Oakland, CA

What size moving truck do I need for this route?

Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

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 Oakland run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.

How do I know a mover is licensed in California?

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.

What are the best neighborhoods in Oakland?

For families, Fairview Park, Rockridge, and Bushrod are worth a look in Oakland. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown, Grand Lake, and Piedmont Avenue tend to be popular picks instead.

How walkable is Oakland?

Oakland has a walkability score of 75 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 65, 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 percentage of Fargo movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 67% of movers in Fargo handle piano moves, and 17% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.