Best Movers From California to North Dakota (2025 Cost Data)
When planning a move from California to North Dakota, professional movers typically run between
$2,994 and $7,080, a moving container averages about
$2,861, and a rental truck is around
$1,600.
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Let’s get moving.
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$1,255 — $7,080 Top local mover
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$1,255 — $9,934 Top long-distance mover
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$973 — $5,201 Top container company
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$1,002 — $2,803 Top truck rental
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$61 — $81/hour Top labor-only mover
Best 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 California to North Dakota
After analyzing 3,180 movers, the moveBuddha team determined that 2,641 (83%) offer interstate services. Using our thorough rating methodology, our moving experts narrowed the field to the top providers equipped to handle your move from California to North Dakota.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from California to North Dakota
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
|
1 Bedroom (small)
Nov 25, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Nov 23, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 04, 2025
Studio apartment
Oct 09, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Oct 09, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Oct 02, 2025
Studio apartment
Sep 29, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Sep 21, 2025
Studio apartment
Sep 16, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Sep 04, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from California to North Dakota?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,255 – $4,812 | $973 – $2,399 | $1,002 – $1,870 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,994 – $7,080 | $1,807 – $3,915 | $1,042 – $2,158 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,551 – $9,934 | $2,517 – $5,201 | $1,367 – $2,803 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,255 – $4,812
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,994 – $7,080
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,551 – $9,934
How much do moving containers cost from California to North Dakota?
- Small move: $973 – $2,399
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,807 – $3,915
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,517 – $5,201
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,002 – $1,870
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,042 – $2,158
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,367 – $2,803
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 1,716-mile move from CA to ND using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 17, 2025.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from CA to ND?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| California | North Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,856 | $912 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $263,410 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $73,959 |
| Cost of living index | 134 | 96 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 2.4% |
| Average sales tax | 8.68% | 6.96% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 2.9% |
Will rent be more expensive in North Dakota?
Rent is about 51% lower in North Dakota than in California.
Avg rent: $1,856 vs. $912
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 66% lower in North Dakota than in California.
Avg home value: $771,057 vs. $263,410
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 20% lower in North Dakota than in California.
Avg income (per capita): $91,905 vs. $73,959
Is the overall cost of living higher in North Dakota?
The cost of living is 28% lower in North Dakota than in California.
Cost of living index: 134 vs. 96
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 20% lower in North Dakota than in California.
Avg sales tax: 8.68% vs. 6.96%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 78% lower in North Dakota than in California.
State income tax: 13.3% vs. 2.9%
How is daily life different in North Dakota compared to California?
Starting fresh means adjusting to more than logistics — climate, crime, and culture shape the experience.
| North Dakota | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 783,926 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Republican 68-32 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 0ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 19″ | 22″ |
| Annual snow | 39″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 22.74 | 28.43 |
Will North Dakota feel more crowded than California?
North Dakota is about 98% less populous than California — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, North Dakota voted Republican while California voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (82°F vs. 87°F).
Winter: North Dakota is colder on average (0°F vs. 59°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in North Dakota?
Rain: Annual rainfall is pretty similar (19″ vs. 22″).
Snow: North Dakota gets more snow (39 inches vs. 7 inches).
Is North Dakota safer than California?
North Dakota has a lower crime index than California (22.74 vs. 28.43), which can mean more peace of mind overall.
What are some things to do in North Dakota?
Museums in North Dakota
- Red River Zoo
- Fargo Air Museum
- North Dakota Museum of Art
- Roger Maris Museum
- Dickinson Museum Center
Parks in North Dakota
- The Dakota Zoo
- Red River Zoo
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Scandinavian Heritage Park
- Roosevelt Park Zoo
Sports teams in North Dakota
- Bismarck Bobcats (NAHL)
- Fargo Force (USHL)
- Minot Minotauros (NAHL)
Universities in North Dakota
- University of North Dakota
- North Dakota State University
- University of Mary
- Minot State University
- Valley City State University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your California to North Dakota move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
- State licensing: All local and intrastate movers operating in the Flickertail State are regulated by the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT). Each mover in good standing is issued an NDDOT Number, which consumers may check the status and validity of by calling the phone number listed below. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
- State regulator: Easily verify the status of a North Dakota moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: North Dakota does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide basic insurance for free. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, providing minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your selected moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in North Dakota?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in North Dakota?
All local and intrastate movers operating in the Flickertail State are regulated by the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT). Each mover in good standing is issued an NDDOT Number, which consumers may check the status and validity of by calling the phone number listed below.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a North Dakota moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in North Dakota?
North Dakota does not require any moving permits.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires basic insurance for interstate moves. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, providing minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your selected moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
Some movers in California offer discounts: 7 AAA discounts; 7 military discounts; 7 senior discounts; 2 student discounts; 2 educator discounts; 4 law enforcement discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary.
Keep moving day simple with our moving checklist.
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