Best Movers From North Dakota to California (2025 Cost Data)
When planning a move from North Dakota to California, professional movers typically run between
$3,630 and $8,250, a moving container averages about
$2,731, and a rental truck is around
$1,662.
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Let’s get moving.
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$1,491 — $8,250 Top local mover
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$1,491 — $10,885 Top long-distance mover
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$1,014 — $5,101 Top container company
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$953 — $2,667 Top truck rental
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$61 — $79/hour Top labor-only mover
Best movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from North Dakota to California
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 North Dakota to California.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from North Dakota to California
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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2 Bedrooms
Nov 19, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 08, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 08, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Oct 23, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Oct 17, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Oct 05, 2025
Studio apartment
Sep 26, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Sep 22, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Sep 12, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Sep 11, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from North Dakota to California?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,491 – $5,273 | $1,014 – $2,601 | $953 – $1,777 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,630 – $8,250 | $1,734 – $3,728 | $1,011 – $2,314 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,595 – $10,885 | $2,418 – $5,101 | $1,393 – $2,667 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,491 – $5,273
- 2–3 bedrooms: $3,630 – $8,250
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,595 – $10,885
How much do moving containers cost from North Dakota to California?
- Small move: $1,014 – $2,601
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,734 – $3,728
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,418 – $5,101
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $953 – $1,777
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,011 – $2,314
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,393 – $2,667
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 1,717-mile move from ND to CA 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 ND to CA?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| North Dakota | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $912 | $1,856 |
| Average home cost | $263,410 | $771,057 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,959 | $91,905 |
| Cost of living index | 96 | 134 |
| Unemployment rate | 2.4% | 5.4% |
| Average sales tax | 6.96% | 8.68% |
| State income tax | 2.9% | 13.3% |
Will rent be more expensive in California?
Rent is about 104% higher in California than in North Dakota.
Avg rent: $912 vs. $1,856
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 193% higher in California than in North Dakota.
Avg home value: $263,410 vs. $771,057
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 24% higher in California than in North Dakota.
Avg income (per capita): $73,959 vs. $91,905
Is the overall cost of living higher in California?
The cost of living is 40% higher in California than in North Dakota.
Cost of living index: 96 vs. 134
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 25% higher in California than in North Dakota.
Avg sales tax: 6.96% vs. 8.68%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 359% higher in California than in North Dakota.
State income tax: 2.9% vs. 13.3%
How is daily life different in California compared to North Dakota?
Starting fresh means adjusting to more than logistics — climate, crime, and culture shape the experience.
| California | North Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 39,029,342 | 783,926 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 59-41 | Republican 68-32 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 59ºF | 0ºF |
| Annual rain | 22″ | 19″ |
| Annual snow | 7″ | 39″ |
| Crime index | 28.43 | 22.74 |
Will California feel more crowded than North Dakota?
California is about 4879% more populous than North Dakota — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic while North Dakota voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (87°F vs. 82°F).
Winter: California is milder on average (59°F vs. 0°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in California?
Rain: Annual rainfall is pretty similar (22″ vs. 19″).
Snow: California gets less snow (7 inches vs. 39 inches).
Is California safer than North Dakota?
California has a higher crime index than North Dakota (28.43 vs. 22.74). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in California?
Museums in California
- The Getty Center
- USS Midway Museum
- Hess Persson Estates
- California State Railroad Museum
- The Getty Villa
Parks in California
- La Jolla Cove
- Heisler Park
- Sonoma Plaza
- Mount Rubidoux Park
- Redwood Regional Park
Sports teams in California
- Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
- San Jose Sharks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Angels (MLB)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
Universities in California
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
- University of California, San Diego
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your North Dakota to California 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
- State regulator: Easily verify the status of a California moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: California 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 Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- 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 California?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in California?
When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a California moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in California?
California 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 Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
Some movers in North Dakota offer discounts: 1 military discounts; 1 senior discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary.
Keep moving day simple with our moving checklist.
Helpful moving resources
North Dakota moving services
Popular North Dakota routes
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