($1,124+) Fargo, ND to Los Angeles, CA Movers
Moving from Fargo, ND, to Los Angeles, CA, runs anywhere from $1,242 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $13,610 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,799 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $3,001, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $13,610 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,643 - $5,899, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,242 - $3,215.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Fargo, ND, to Los Angeles, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,091 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 336 real quotes from Fargo, ND to Los Angeles, CA, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates.
Compare moving options from Fargo, ND to Los Angeles, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Fargo to Los Angeles: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $4,091 - $9,059. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,799-mile route from Fargo to Los Angeles, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $3,001 - $7,134 | $1,643 - $3,041 | $1,242 - $2,299 | $1,601 - $2,880 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,091 - $9,059 | $2,234 - $4,300 | $1,254 - $2,817 | $1,664 - $3,548 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,649 - $13,610 | $3,081 - $5,899 | $1,565 - $3,215 | $2,297 - $5,055 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated August 18, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Fargo, ND to Los Angeles, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,799-mile move from Fargo, North Dakota, to Los Angeles, California, with costs ranging from $3,001 - $13,610. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $358 - $2,388. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Fargo and Los Angeles.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Fargo to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $3,001 - $7,134
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,091 - $9,059
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,649 - $13,610
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 Fargo to Los Angeles.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from North Dakota to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
Add-ons and specialty services from Fargo, ND to Los Angeles, CA
Most moves come with a few extras on top of the base price, and some items need a specialist instead of a standard crew. The table below lists what each add-on and specialty service runs from Fargo to Los Angeles. Prices are localized to Fargo costs.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost (Fargo to Los Angeles) |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | You want the crew to box everything | $597 - $5,970 |
| Storage in transit | Your new place is not ready on arrival | $239 - $1,433/mo |
| Shuttle fee | A full-size truck cannot reach the door | $358 - $2,866 |
| Full-value protection | Coverage beyond the default $0.60/lb | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Shipments under about 2,000 lbs | $1,194 - $3,582 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,985 - $11,940 |
| Car shipping | Moving a second vehicle | $894 - $1,699 |
| Antiques & fine art | Climate control and white-glove handling | $1,194 - $2,985 |
| Piano | Upright, baby grand, or grand | $955 - $4,179 |
| Pool table | Disassembly and professional re-leveling | $358 - $1,791 |
| Hot tub | 500 - 900 lb units with electrical disconnect | $776 - $2,388 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled, vibration-safe transport | $358 - $17,910+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or VIP concierge | $358 - $4,179+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Fargo to Los Angeles?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Fargo, ND. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Fargo, ND to Los Angeles, CA
Moving containers from Fargo, North Dakota, to Los Angeles, California, cost between $1,643 and $5,899. 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.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Fargo to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,643 - $3,041
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,234 - $4,300
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,081 - $5,899
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $90 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $179 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $836 in Fargo, ND, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Los Angeles, CA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a North Dakota to California 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 $1,643. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,234 - $4,300, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Fargo to Los Angeles?
- PODS (4.8/5 stars): PODS is best for nationwide coverage. It runs the widest service network of any container company, with secure month-to-month storage and steel-frame containers you load on your own schedule.
- Units Moving & Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Units is best for locally owned service. Their steel containers come in multiple sizes that fit tight driveways, and locally owned branches mean you reach a live support team that knows your area.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat: 1-800-Pack-Rat is best for weatherproof storage. Their all-steel containers hold up well in transit and long storage windows, with flexible month-to-month terms when your move-in date slips.
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 Fargo 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 Fargo:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 24 years in business
- Midwest Moving Company (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- 5 Star Moving (4.3/5), 23 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Fargo, ND to Los Angeles, CA
Plan on spending between $1,242 and $3,215 for a rental moving truck in Fargo, North Dakota. A truck rental is a fully DIY move: you load the truck, drive it the 1,799 miles yourself, and unload at your destination in Los Angeles, California.
The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle. Fuel ($683 - $781), insurance ($36/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $24) are added on top of the base rate.
Rental moving trucks are available in a variety of sizes, usually from 10 - 26 feet. For an average 2-bedroom move, a 15- to 17-foot truck is usually the right fit. Smaller 10- to 12-foot trucks handle studios and 1-bedroom apartments, and 3+ bedroom homes generally require a 20- to 26-foot truck. Trucks 20 feet and up typically run on diesel, which tends to be more expensive than gas and adds to your total spend.
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Fargo to Los Angeles based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,242 - $2,299
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,254 - $2,817
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,565 - $3,215
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Fargo to Los Angeles starts at $1,242 - $3,215, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($683 - $781) , overnight lodging ($179/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Fargo, North Dakota, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $836.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $683 - $781 for the 1,799-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 $72 and $388, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $179 per night for hotel stops on the 1,799-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $358 - $537.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Fargo to Los Angeles?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Budget Truck Rental is the best value rental on this list. Budget undercuts most competitors on base rates and layers in discounts for online bookings, AAA membership, and military service.
- Penske Truck Rental (4/5 stars): Penske Truck Rental is the most reliable option here. Their newer fleet, unlimited mileage on one-way moves, and 24/7 roadside assistance make Penske the choice when breakdown risk is the bigger concern than cost.
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars): U-Haul Truck Rental offers the best availability. U-Haul operates more than 23,000 locations and offers 7 truck sizes, giving it the largest pickup network and the broadest accommodation for last-minute or one-way moves.
Freight trailer costs from Fargo, ND to Los Angeles, CA
For larger DIY moves from Fargo, North Dakota, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Los Angeles, California.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,664 and $3,548.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Fargo to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,601 - $2,880
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,664 - $3,548
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,297 - $5,055
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $90 - $179 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Fargo, North Dakota, for about five hours typically runs $836.
What are the best freight companies from Fargo to Los Angeles?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Holland Enterprises, LLC (4.92/5 stars): Holland Enterprises, LLC is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
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: Fargo, ND vs Los Angeles, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Los Angeles, side by side with Fargo on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Fargo, ND | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 91 | 162 |
| Average rent | $1,055/mo | $2,960/mo |
| Median home value | $269,827 | $878,142 |
| Average income | $66,029/yr | $80,366/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 10.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 2.9% | Up to 13.3% |
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 Los Angeles, CA to Fargo, ND guide.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,799-mile route from Fargo, ND, to Los Angeles, CA, run $3,001 - $13,610 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,643 - $5,899, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,242 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,091, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
How to plan your move from Fargo, ND to Los Angeles, CA
- Compare your moving service options: Use the cost breakdown above to weigh full-service movers, containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers for your Fargo to Los Angeles move against your budget and how much work you want to handle.
- Estimate your cost with the moving calculator: Run your specific move through the moving cost calculator so your estimate reflects your home size and date, not just the route averages.
- Review the top-rated movers for this route: Check moveBuddha's recommended full-service, container, truck, and freight companies for the Fargo, ND to Los Angeles, CA route and compare their ratings and standout features.
- Request free quotes: Gather free quotes from two or three companies for the Fargo, ND to Los Angeles, CA route; comparing offers is how most moveBuddha users save.
- Verify licensing with the FMCSA: Verify that your chosen mover is properly licensed and insured for interstate moves by checking their record on the FMCSA site.
- Book early and time your move: Reserve your move as far ahead as possible and aim for a midweek, mid-month date outside the summer rush to save on your Fargo to Los Angeles move.
FAQ
How long does a move from Fargo, ND to Los Angeles, CA take?
For full-service and container moves, plan on 5 - 7 days from pickup to delivery on this route. Carriers run consolidated loads, meaning your shipment shares a truck with others heading the same way, which keeps things moving efficiently.
If getting your belongings to Los Angeles as fast as possible is the priority, freight trailers offer the tightest and most predictable delivery windows of any option short of driving yourself. The main thing to know is that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment soon after it arrives.
If your new place isn't ready or you need short-term storage, a container or full-service mover is the better call. A rental truck from Fargo, North Dakota, to Los Angeles, California, gives you full control over the schedule.
What are some tips for planning a move from Fargo, ND to Los Angeles, CA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment (about one bedroom's worth of items) saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route.
Once you know what's coming with you, put together a moving checklist and work through it systematically. Long-distance moves have a lot of moving parts, and staying ahead of your timeline makes the whole process significantly less stressful.
What's the cheapest way to move from Fargo, ND to Los Angeles, CA?
For most movers, a rental truck is the most affordable way to relocate from Fargo to Los Angeles. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route runs $1,254 - $2,817, with you handling all the loading and driving. Compare options through our cheapest truck rental recommendations to find the best base rate for your move.
See the truck rental section above for what those add-ons typically run. Booking a few weeks out and avoiding weekends or month-end dates also helps keep the base rate itself lower, on top of whatever you save by shopping the add-on costs separately.
When is the cheapest time to move from Fargo, ND to Los Angeles, CA?
October through March is the sweet spot for lower moving prices. Demand falls off after summer, so movers have more availability and tend to offer more competitive rates on routes like Fargo, North Dakota, to Los Angeles, California.
If you're stuck moving during peak season, try to pick a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday date in the middle of the month. Those dates consistently come in cheaper than weekends or end-of-month moves, when demand is at its highest.
How much will it cost to move from Fargo, ND to Los Angeles, CA?
Costs for an interstate move from Fargo to Los Angeles can range from $3,001 at the low end to $13,610 at the high end. Your home size and choice of service are the two biggest factors in where you land within that range.
Full-service movers on this route typically run between $3,001 and $13,610, while DIY options start lower but come with added costs for fuel, equipment, and travel from Fargo, North Dakota, to Los Angeles, California. Getting quotes from multiple providers before booking is the best way to find the right price for your specific move.
