($1,131+) Fargo, ND to Bakersfield, CA Movers
Moving from Fargo, ND, to Bakersfield, CA, runs anywhere from $1,053 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $13,214 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,814 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 $2,764, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $13,214 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,612 - $5,679, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,053 - $2,952.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Fargo, ND, to Bakersfield, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,975 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 Bakersfield, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Fargo to Bakersfield: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $3,975 - $8,871. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 5 to 16 days for this 1,814-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,814-mile route from Fargo to Bakersfield, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,764 - $6,495 | $1,612 - $2,898 | $1,053 - $2,241 | $1,409 - $2,770 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,975 - $8,871 | $2,063 - $4,392 | $1,187 - $2,488 | $1,618 - $3,347 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,446 - $13,214 | $2,792 - $5,679 | $1,513 - $2,952 | $2,190 - $4,588 |
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 Fargo, ND to Bakersfield, CA
Full-service movers for the 1,814-mile relocation from Fargo, North Dakota, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $2,764 and $13,214. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $284 - $1,892, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Fargo typically charge a base rate around $264 plus $99 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Fargo to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,764 - $6,495
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,975 - $8,871
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,446 - $13,214
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 Bakersfield.
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: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Fargo, ND to Bakersfield, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 50% of Fargo movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Bakersfield, 80% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing83% of local movers | $473 - $4,730 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready50% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $189 - $1,135/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $284 - $2,270 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage50% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $946 - $2,838 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,365 - $9,460 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $709 - $1,346 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items17% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Midwest Moving Company | $946 - $2,365 |
| Piano | Any piano type67% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $757 - $3,311 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling33% of local movers | $284 - $1,419 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Midwest Moving Company | $615 - $1,892 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $284 - $14,190+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $284 - $3,311+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Fargo to Bakersfield?
All three below meet the standards set by the California Moving & Storage Association, the group most California movers are affiliated with.
- 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Fargo, ND. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Fargo, ND to Bakersfield, CA
Moving containers from Fargo, North Dakota, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $1,612 and $5,679. 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 Fargo costs roughly $90/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Fargo to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,612 - $2,898
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,063 - $4,392
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,792 - $5,679
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $71 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $142 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Bakersfield, CA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $662 in Fargo, ND. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
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 $1,612. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,063 - $4,392, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Fargo to Bakersfield?
- 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
- 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 Bakersfield, CA
Truck rentals from Fargo, North Dakota, to Bakersfield, California, range from $1,053 - $2,952 for the 1,814-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $546 - $624
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- 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 Bakersfield based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,053 - $2,241
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,187 - $2,488
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,513 - $2,952
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,053 - $2,952 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Fargo to Bakersfield. Fuel ($546 - $624) , lodging at around $142/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $71 and $331.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $142.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $546 and $624 for the 1,814-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $662 for 2 movers in Fargo, North Dakota, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Fargo to Bakersfield?
- 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 Bakersfield, CA
For larger DIY moves from Fargo, North Dakota, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Bakersfield, California.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,618 and $3,347.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Fargo to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,409 - $2,770
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,618 - $3,347
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,190 - $4,588
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $71 - $142 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Fargo, North Dakota, for about five hours typically runs $662.
What are the best freight companies from Fargo to Bakersfield?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Fargo to Bakersfield. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Fargo, ND vs Bakersfield, CA
Day-to-day costs in Bakersfield are close to what you're used to in Fargo: cost of living index of 100 versus 91, with average rent of $1,695/mo compared to $1,055/mo. Housing, income, and taxes are all in a similar range, so budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores are close too, at 45/100 and 56.17/100 in Fargo versus 37/100 and 41.51/100 in Bakersfield.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield, CA to Fargo, ND guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from North Dakota to California, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. North Dakota alone has 10 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,814-mile move like this one.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Fargo, ND, to Bakersfield, CA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,764 - $13,214 on the 1,814-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,612 - $5,679 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,053 - $2,952 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,975 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Bakersfield City School District and Clinica Sierra Vista.
FAQs: Moving from Fargo, ND, to Bakersfield, CA
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Fargo, ND to Bakersfield, 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.
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 Bakersfield run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Fargo, ND to Bakersfield, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What are the best neighborhoods in Bakersfield?
For families, Seven Oaks, Northwest Bakersfield, and Southwest Bakersfield are worth a look in Bakersfield. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown Bakersfield, The Oaks, and Westchester tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Fargo, ND to Bakersfield, CA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,187 - $2,488. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
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.