Modesto, CA to Fargo, ND Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

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Quick answer: Moving from Modesto to Fargo typically costs $3,600–$7,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,758 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Veteran owned
  • Portion to charity
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.2 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience

Cost to move from Modesto to Fargo

Moving from Modesto, CA to Fargo, ND typically costs $3,600–$7,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.

The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,758-mile move from Modesto to Fargo, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.

Studio Icon

Studio / 1 bedroom

  • Moving Company $2,500 - $6,200
  • Moving Container $1,600 - $3,300
  • Rental Truck $1,200 - $2,100
Two Three Bed Icon

2-3 bedrooms

  • Moving Company $3,600 - $7,700
  • Moving Container $2,200 - $4,600
  • Rental Truck $1,200 - $2,600
Four Bed Icon

4+ bedrooms

  • Moving Company $6,800 - $11,800
  • Moving Container $3,000 - $6,300
  • Rental Truck $1,600 - $3,300

Recent moving quotes for similar moves

  • American Van Lines recently quoted $4,943 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
  • Roadway Moving recently quoted $3,694 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
  • Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $1,318 for a 2 bedroom using a rental truck.
Recent Moving Price Estimates
The following are real, anonymized quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 48 hours. Prices change with dates and availability; use these as a ballpark, not a guarantee.
American Van Lines
Hilmar-Irwin, CA Ayr, ND
Icon of a house 2 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Feb 15, 2026
Roadway Moving
Garden Acres, CA West Fargo, ND
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (large)
Icon of a calendar Jan 27, 2026
Budget Truck Rental
Parklawn, CA Abercrombie, ND
Icon of a house 2 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Jan 14, 2026
Allied Van Lines
Franklin, CA Dwight, ND
Icon of a house 5+ Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Jan 13, 2026
North American Van Lines
University of California-Merced, CA North River, ND
Icon of a house 3 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Jan 12, 2026
AB Moving
Riverbank, CA Grandin, ND
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (small)
Icon of a calendar Jan 10, 2026
Joyce Van Lines
Santa Nella, CA Gardner, ND
Icon of a house 3 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Jan 03, 2026
United Van Lines
Modesto, CA Walcott, ND
Icon of a house 5+ Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Dec 18, 2025
1-800-Pack-Rat
Hughson, CA Davenport, ND
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (small)
Icon of a calendar Dec 15, 2025
Safeway Moving
Mountain House, CA Oxbow, ND
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (small)
Icon of a calendar Dec 03, 2025

Factors that affect moving costs from Modesto to Fargo

Your total cost will depend on:

  • How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Modesto to Fargo may only cost $2,500, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $11,800.
  • The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Modesto.
  • Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,200–$3,300), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.

Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Fargo, ND to Modesto, CA guide.

Best Modesto to Fargo movers by type

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Professional
Local Movers Icon
Local
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only

Best professional movers from Modesto to Fargo

Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Modesto to Fargo. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.

Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.

  1. Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  2. American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  3. Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
  4. Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  5. North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans

How we chose the best CA→ND movers

moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 372 California moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.

  • Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
  • Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
  • Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
  • Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
  • Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Modesto to Fargo

Many movers find Fargo easier on the wallet than Modesto - roughly 32% less for singles and 45% less for families.

Monthly basics average $1,566 for one person in Fargo versus $2,312 in Modesto. For a family of four, it's $3,299 compared with $5,946.

See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:

Modesto Fargo
Average 1 BR rent $1,446 $963
Average 3 BR rent $2,467 $2,563
Average home value $442,362 $287,548
Average income (per capita) $67,011 $59,493
Cost of living (single) $2,312 $1,566
Cost of living (family of four) $5,946 $3,299
Unemployment rate 8.0% 3.6%
Sales tax 8.88% 7.5%
State income tax 13.3% 2.9%
  • Rent is about 41% less expensive in Fargo than in Modesto, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
  • Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 35% cheaper in Fargo than in Modesto.
  • You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 11% less in Fargo than in Modesto.
  • Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Fargo. The cost of living for a single person there is 32% below that of Modesto.
  • A move to Fargo can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 45% lower compared to Modesto.
  • Fargo has a lower unemployment rate than Modesto by about 55%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
  • Sales taxes are 16% cheaper in Fargo compared to Modesto. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
  • Income taxes are 78% less in North Dakota compared to California, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.

Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Modesto versus Fargo:

Living Expense Modesto Fargo
Basic utilities $229.35 $159.44
Cell phone plan $62.91 $54.00
Dozen eggs $5.67 $4.00
Loaf of bread $3.61 $3.25
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) $15.00 $15.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $80.00 $50.00
Gym membership $41.33 $55.00
  • Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Modesto than in Fargo.
  • Cell phone plans typically cost more in Modesto than in Fargo.
  • Eggs cost more in Modesto than in Fargo.
  • Bread is more expensive in Modesto than in Fargo.
  • The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
  • A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Modesto than in Fargo.
  • Gym memberships are more affordable in Modesto than in Fargo.

How life is different in Modesto vs. Fargo

Modesto Fargo
Population 218,464 125,990
Transportation score 5 4
Walkability score 48 45
Bike friendliness score 48 49
Crime index 65.76 8.0
Safety index 34.24 56.17
Air quality Moderate Good
  • Fargo's population is about 42% less than Modesto.
  • Fargo's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Modesto's score of 5.
  • Fargo is less walkable than Modesto with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Modesto's 48 out of 100.
  • Both Fargo and Modesto have similar bike-friendliness scores (48 vs 49), meaning Fargo is about as safe for cyclists as Modesto. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
  • Fargo's crime rate is lower than Modesto with a score of 8.0 compared to Modesto's 65.76. This means that Fargo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Modesto neighborhoods are safer than 65.76%.
  • Fargo is considered to be safer than Modesto with a safety index of 56.17 vs Modesto's 34.24.
  • Air quality in Fargo is Good, and in Modesto it's Moderate.

Other things to consider for your Modesto to Fargo move

  • HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in North Dakota, visit the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in North Dakota, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
  • Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Fargo. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Fargo

With your sights set on Fargo, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Fargo.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Longfellow
  • Rose Creek
  • Southpointe
  • Stonebridge
  • Lincoln
  • Horace Mann

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Rose Creek
  • Longfellow
  • Southpointe
  • Centennial
  • Pointe West
  • Woodhaven

Things to do in Fargo

With your move to North Dakota complete, you can dive right into experiencing Fargo. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:

  • Arts and culture: Fargo is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Fargo Air Museum, Roger Maris Museum, and Plains Art Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's Lindenwood Park, Rheault Farm, Northern Plains Botanic Garden Society, and Broadway Square — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Fargo Force (USHL)North Dakota State Bison (Summit League) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Modesto to Fargo?

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Modesto to Fargo. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Modesto.

When is the cheapest time to move from Modesto to Fargo?

Want to save on your move from Modesto to Fargo? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.

How long does a move from Modesto to Fargo take?

The 1,758-mile move from Modesto, CA, to Fargo, ND, takes five to 16 days. Some Modesto movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Fargo.

Need help moving a piano or antiques in Modesto?

These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 10 movers in Modesto provide piano moving services. 5 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.

Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.