($1,085+) Modesto, CA to Fargo, ND Movers
The cost to move from Modesto, CA to Fargo, ND ranges from $1,205 to $9,844, with an average cost of $3,850. Moves can be as low as $1,085 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,758 miles and usually takes 5 to 16 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Modesto, CA to Fargo, ND
Moving options from Modesto to Fargo fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,205 - $9,844 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,850, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 41% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 67% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,758 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,758-mile route from Modesto to Fargo, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,205 - $4,935 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,503 - $2,723), rental truck ($1,064 - $2,087), or freight trailer ($1,338 - $2,501). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,309 - $6,918 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $9,844.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Modesto, CA to Fargo, ND
Hiring full-service movers from Modesto, California, to Fargo, North Dakota, costs between $1,205 and $9,844. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,758-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $318 - $2,120, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Modesto and Fargo. For a rough baseline, movers based in Modesto tend to start around $314 plus $128/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Modesto to Fargo:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,205 - $4,935
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,309 - $6,918
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,695 - $9,844
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 Modesto to Fargo.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Modesto, CA to Fargo, ND
Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of Modesto movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Fargo, 33% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing58% of local movers | $530 - $5,300 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready63% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Grace Moving Company | $212 - $1,272/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $318 - $2,544 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs46% of local movers | $1,060 - $3,180 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,650 - $10,600 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $794 - $1,508 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items13% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Brewer Moving LLC | $1,060 - $2,650 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Pete's Moving Services | $848 - $3,710 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $318 - $1,590 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationally | $689 - $2,120 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $318 - $15,900+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $318 - $3,710+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Modesto to Fargo?
- 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 Modesto, CA. 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 Modesto, CA to Fargo, ND
Moving containers from Modesto, California, to Fargo, North Dakota, cost between $1,503 and $5,487. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Modesto runs about $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Modesto to Fargo:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,503 - $2,723
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,941 - $4,047
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,573 - $5,487
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Modesto, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $742, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $80 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $159 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Modesto, CA, and Fargo, ND, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to North Dakota 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 $1,503. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,941 - $4,047.
What are the best moving containers Modesto to Fargo?
- 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 Modesto 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 Modesto:
- Big Island Movers (4.8/5), 14 years in business
- Brewer Moving LLC (4.9/5), 11 years in business
- Lunardi Moving (4.8/5), 12 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Modesto, CA to Fargo, ND
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,758 miles from Modesto, California, to Fargo, North Dakota, running $1,064 - $2,981. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $593 - $678
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Modesto daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.29
| 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 Modesto to Fargo based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,064 - $2,087
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,097 - $2,436
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,396 - $2,981
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,064 - $2,981 when pricing out a rental truck from Modesto to Fargo. Fuel alone runs $593 - $678, and overnight lodging ($159/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Modesto, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $742.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $593 - $678 for the 1,758-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $64 and $345, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $159 per night for hotel stops on the 1,758-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $318 - $477.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Modesto to Fargo?
- 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 Modesto, CA to Fargo, ND
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 Modesto, California, to Fargo, North Dakota. 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. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,460 and $3,269.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Modesto to Fargo:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,338 - $2,501
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,460 - $3,269
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,058 - $4,094
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
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 $80 and $159.
- 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 Modesto, California, for roughly five hours typically average $742.
What are the best freight companies from Modesto to Fargo?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Modesto, CA vs Fargo, ND
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Fargo, side by side with Modesto on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Modesto, CA | Fargo, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 116 | 91 |
| Average rent | $1,800/mo | $1,055/mo |
| Median home value | $415,024 | $269,827 |
| Average income | $77,899/yr | $66,029/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 3.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 2.9% |
| Walkability score | 48/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 34.24/100 | 56.17/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
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 Fargo, ND to Modesto, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from California to North Dakota, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 1,126 movers in California, so you have real options to compare for this 1,758-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Modesto, CA, to Fargo, ND, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,205 for a studio to $9,844 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,758-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,503 - $5,487. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,064 - $2,981, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,309 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Noridian Mutual Insurance Company and TMI Hospitality.
FAQs: Moving from Modesto, CA, to Fargo, ND
How walkable is Fargo?
Fargo has a walkability score of 45 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 49, compared to 48 and 48 in Modesto. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($593 - $678), daily insurance ($32/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $159/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is 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.
What is the best time of year to move from Modesto, CA to Fargo, ND?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Modesto movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Modesto handle piano moves, and 13% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.