($1,082+) Fargo, ND to Modesto, CA Movers
Moving from Fargo, ND, to Modesto, CA, runs anywhere from $1,061 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,638 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,758 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 $2,998, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $12,638 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,605 - $5,417, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,061 - $2,942.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Fargo, ND, to Modesto, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,921 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Fargo, ND to Modesto, CA
Moving options from Fargo to Modesto fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,921 - $8,700 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,758-mile route typically takes 5 to 16 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,758-mile route from Fargo to Modesto, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,998 - $6,659 | $1,605 - $2,794 | $1,061 - $2,103 | $1,444 - $2,726 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,921 - $8,700 | $1,973 - $4,158 | $1,125 - $2,528 | $1,530 - $3,392 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,378 - $12,638 | $2,778 - $5,417 | $1,522 - $2,942 | $2,090 - $4,466 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Fargo, ND to Modesto, CA
Hiring full-service movers from Fargo, North Dakota, to Modesto, California, costs between $2,998 and $12,638. 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 $303 - $2,020, 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 Fargo and Modesto. For a rough baseline, movers based in Fargo tend to start around $264 plus $99/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 Fargo to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,998 - $6,659
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,921 - $8,700
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,378 - $12,638
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 Modesto.
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: 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 Fargo, ND to Modesto, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 50% of Fargo movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Modesto, 79% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing83% of local movers | $505 - $5,050 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready50% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $202 - $1,212/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $303 - $2,424 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage50% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $1,010 - $3,030 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,525 - $10,100 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $756 - $1,437 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items17% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Midwest Moving Company | $1,010 - $2,525 |
| Piano | Any piano type67% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $808 - $3,535 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling33% of local movers | $303 - $1,515 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Midwest Moving Company | $657 - $2,020 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $303 - $15,150+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $303 - $3,535+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Fargo to Modesto?
Movers licensed to operate in California are typically members of the California Moving & Storage Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Fargo, ND, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Fargo, ND to Modesto, CA
Moving containers from Fargo, North Dakota, to Modesto, California, cost between $1,605 and $5,417. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Fargo costs roughly $90/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Fargo to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,605 - $2,794
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,973 - $4,158
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,778 - $5,417
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $707 in Fargo, ND. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $76 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $152 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Modesto, CA, destination before booking.
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 $1,605. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,973 - $4,158, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Fargo to Modesto?
- 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 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 Modesto, CA
Plan on $1,061 - $2,942 for a rental moving truck on the 1,758-mile route from Fargo, North Dakota, to Modesto, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $565 - $646
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Fargo daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Fargo to Modesto based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,061 - $2,103
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,125 - $2,528
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,522 - $2,942
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,061 - $2,942 when pricing out a rental truck from Fargo to Modesto. Fuel alone runs ($565 - $646) , and overnight lodging ($152/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $152 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Fargo, North Dakota, usually costs about $707 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,758-mile drive falls between $565 and $646, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $51 and $303 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Fargo to Modesto?
- 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 Fargo, ND to Modesto, CA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Fargo, North Dakota, to Modesto, California, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,530 and $3,392.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Fargo to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,444 - $2,726
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,530 - $3,392
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,090 - $4,466
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 $76 and $152.
- 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 Fargo, North Dakota, for roughly five hours typically average $707.
What are the best freight companies from Fargo to Modesto?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Magnum Ltd (4.96/5 stars): Magnum Ltd is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Fargo to Modesto, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Fargo, ND vs Modesto, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Modesto, side by side with Fargo on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Fargo, ND | Modesto, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 91 | 116 |
| Average rent | $1,055/mo | $1,800/mo |
| Median home value | $269,827 | $415,024 |
| Average income | $66,029/yr | $77,899/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 2.9% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 48/100 |
| Safety index | 56.17/100 | 34.24/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
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 Modesto, CA to Fargo, ND guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from North Dakota to California, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 10 movers licensed in North Dakota, useful context for sizing up this 1,758-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,758-mile route from Fargo, ND, to Modesto, CA, run $2,998 - $12,638 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,605 - $5,417, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,061 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,921, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Save Mart Supermarkets and Sutter Central Valley Hospitals.
FAQs: Moving from Fargo, ND, to Modesto, CA
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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Fargo?
Local movers based in Fargo typically start around $264 as a base rate, plus $99/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Modesto run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is 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.
What are the best neighborhoods in Modesto?
For families, Del Rio, Dutch Hollow, and La Loma are worth a look in Modesto. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown Modesto, College Area, and McHenry Village tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Modesto?
Modesto has a walkability score of 48 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 48, compared to 45 and 49 in Fargo. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Fargo movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 67% of movers in Fargo handle piano moves, and 17% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.