$1,423 Movers From California to North Dakota

The cost to move from California to North Dakota averages from $1,304 to $8,192 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service California moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from North Dakota to California guide.

Moving from California to North Dakota resources

Moving 1,721 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best California to North Dakota movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from California to North Dakota is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving California to North Dakota.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
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(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
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(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
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(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
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(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
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(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to move from California to North Dakota?

The table below lays out average cost ranges when moving from California to North Dakota for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,423 - $5,958 $1,207 - $2,916 $1,159 - $2,295
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,748 - $8,192 $2,262 - $4,350 $1,304 - $2,810
4+ bedrooms $6,744 - $11,247 $2,878 - $5,775 $1,532 - $3,143
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,721 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

There are many factors that influence California moving costs. The cost to move from California to North Dakota will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in California is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much does it cost to hire movers from California to North Dakota?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to North Dakota will cost between $1,423 to $5,958. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from CA to ND will range from $3,748 to $8,192, and a large move from California to North Dakota will cost from $6,744 to $11,247.

How much are moving containers like PODS from California to North Dakota?

Moving containers from California to North Dakota will cost you $1,207 to $2,916 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,262 to $4,350. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,878 to $5,775. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of California.

How much is a moving truck from California to North Dakota?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,159 to $2,295. A larger move will cost $1,304 to $2,810, and a 4+ bedroom move from California to North Dakota costs from $1,532 to $3,143.

Is moving from California to North Dakota a good idea?

If you’re moving to North Dakota from California, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of Living: California vs North Dakota

California North Dakota
Average rent cost $1,586 $932
Average home cost $746,055 $250,248
Average income (per capita) $91,905 $73,959
Cost of Living Index 100 96
Unemployment rate 4.8% 0.9%
Average Sales Tax 8.68% 6.96%
State Income Tax 13.3% 2.9%
  • Rent is about 41% less expensive in North Dakota than in California.
  • Home prices are about 66.5% lower in North Dakota than in California.
  • The average income is about 19.5% lower in North Dakota than in California.
  • Cost of living is 4.0% lower in North Dakota than in California.
  • North Dakota has a lower unemployment rate than California by about 81.3%.
  • Sales taxes are 19.82% lower in North Dakota than in California.
  • Income taxes are 78.20% lower in North Dakota than in California.

How is life different in North Dakota from California?

North Dakota California
Population 779,261 39,029,342
Political leaning Republican 65-32 Democratic 63-34
Summer High 82ºF 87ºF
Winter Low 0ºF 59ºF
Annual Rain 19" 22"
Annual Snow 39" 7"
Crime Index 24.55 27.88
  • The population of North Dakota is approximately 98% lower than the population of California.
  • In the last presidential election, North Dakota voted Republican and California voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in North Dakota is 82ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, North Dakota reaches the temperature of 0ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
  • You can expect about 19 inches of annual rainfall in North Dakota vs 22 inches of rainfall in California.
  • In North Dakota, it snows about 39 inches annually vs 7 inches of snow in California.
  • North Dakota has a lower crime rate than California with a crime index of 27.88 vs 24.55.

Comparing the pros of California vs. North Dakota:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in California vs North Dakota side-by-side.

Pros of living in California Pros of living in North Dakota
Ample economic opportunity Ample economic opportunity
Pleasant weather Peaceful rural life
Abundant recreational options Affordable living costs
High quality of life High-quality education opportunities
Fresh and healthy foods Open rural spaces

Comparing the cons of living in California vs. North Dakota:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving California for North Dakota.

Cons of living in California Cons of living in North Dakota
High cost of living Long and cold winters
Heavy tax burdens Lack of diversity
Natural disasters Housing shortages
Terrible traffic Small populations
Strange laws Relaxed lifestyle

Considerations for moving to North Dakota

  • Weather: North Dakota has warm summers and cold winters. The temperature differences are significant because of its far inland position and being roughly equal distance from the North Pole and the Equator.
  • HOA Rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator Reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a North Dakota moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • 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: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to North Dakota. Get started here.
  • Mover's Insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for local California movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Maison Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.96 overall rating
1371 Santa Fe Dr., Tustin, CA, 92780
(800) 832-5950
Two Men and a Truck Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
8362 Galena Ave, Sacramento, CA, 95828
(916) 596-9374

Visit our Best Movers in California page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Things to do in North Dakota

While you’re in North Dakota, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state.

  • Theodore Roosevelt National Park
  • Fort Mandan Overlook State Historic Site
  • Maah Daah Hey Trail
  • North Dakota Heritage Center
  • Chateau de Mores State Historic Site
  • National Buffalo Museum
  • International Peace Garden
  • Fargo Theatre
  • Dakota Zoo
  • Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
  • Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
  • Plains Art Museum
  • Scandinavian Heritage Park
  • Lake Sakakawea State Park
  • Fort Union Trading Post National Historic State
  • North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame
  • Bonanzaville USA
  • Enchanted Highway
  • Medora Musical
  • North Dakota State Capitol

FAQs about moving from California to North Dakota

What is the cheapest way to move from California to North Dakota?

The cheapest way to move from California to North Dakota is with a DIY move. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

What are the benefits of moving from California to North Dakota?

The main reasons people are moving from California to North Dakota are the amazing upsides of living in North Dakota such as ample economic opportunity and peaceful rural life.

Related articles to your move

Learn more about North Dakota