($1,041+) Fargo, ND to Oakland, CA Movers
Moving from Fargo, ND, to Oakland, CA, runs anywhere from $1,041 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,159 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,769 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 $2,639, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $12,159 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,455 - $5,161, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,041 - $2,889.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Fargo, ND, to Oakland, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,661 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 Oakland, CA
Moving options from Fargo to Oakland fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $3,661 - $7,878 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 46% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 70% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,769 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,769-mile route from Fargo to Oakland, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,639 - $5,797 | $1,455 - $2,691 | $1,041 - $1,925 | $1,296 - $2,422 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,661 - $7,878 | $1,994 - $4,038 | $1,083 - $2,431 | $1,564 - $3,230 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,688 - $12,159 | $2,698 - $5,161 | $1,463 - $2,889 | $2,054 - $4,171 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Fargo, ND to Oakland, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,769-mile move from Fargo, North Dakota, to Oakland, California, with costs ranging from $2,639 - $12,159. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $399 - $2,660. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Fargo and Oakland. Local movers in Fargo typically start around $264 as a base rate plus $99/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Fargo to Oakland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,639 - $5,797
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,661 - $7,878
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,688 - $12,159
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 Oakland.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Fargo, ND to Oakland, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 40% of Fargo movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Oakland, 53% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing67% of local movers | $665 - $6,650 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready40% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $266 - $1,596/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $399 - $3,192 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage7% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs47% of local movers | $1,330 - $3,990 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,325 - $13,300 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $996 - $1,893 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% nationallyTop pick: Wrap & Pack Moving Company (ND) | $1,330 - $3,325 |
| Piano | Any piano type27% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $1,064 - $4,655 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $399 - $1,995 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Jobbers Moving & Storage | $865 - $2,660 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $399 - $19,950+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $399 - $4,655+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Fargo to Oakland?
California Moving & Storage Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in California, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Fargo, ND. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Fargo, ND to Oakland, CA
Moving containers from Fargo, North Dakota, to Oakland, California, cost between $1,455 and $5,161. 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 Oakland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,455 - $2,691
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,994 - $4,038
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,698 - $5,161
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Fargo, ND and Oakland, CA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $931 in Fargo, ND, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $100 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $200 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
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 $1,455. 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 $1,994 - $4,038.
What are the best moving containers Fargo to Oakland?
- 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
- 5 Star Moving (4.3/5), 23 years in business
- His Workmanship - Fargo
Moving truck rental costs from Fargo, ND to Oakland, CA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,769-mile move from Fargo, North Dakota, to Oakland, California, costs between $1,041 and $2,889, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $749 - $856
- Daily insurance: $40/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
- 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 Oakland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,041 - $1,925
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,083 - $2,431
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,463 - $2,889
Pro tip: A rental truck from Fargo to Oakland looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,041 - $2,889. But once you factor in fuel ($749 - $856), overnight lodging ($200/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $100 and $466.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $200.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $749 and $856 for the 1,769-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $931 for 2 movers in Fargo, North Dakota, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Fargo to Oakland?
- 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 Oakland, CA
If you're moving a larger household from Fargo, North Dakota, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Oakland, California.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,564 and $3,230.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Fargo to Oakland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,296 - $2,422
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,564 - $3,230
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,054 - $4,171
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 $100 - $200 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Fargo, North Dakota, for about five hours typically runs $931.
What are the best freight companies from Fargo to Oakland?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Oakland fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Fargo, ND vs Oakland, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Oakland, side by side with Fargo on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Fargo, ND | Oakland, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 91 | 196 |
| Average rent | $1,055/mo | $2,200/mo |
| Median home value | $269,827 | $925,411 |
| Average income | $66,029/yr | $97,369/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 4.5% |
| State income tax | Up to 2.9% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 75/100 |
| Safety index | 56.17/100 | 31.38/100 |
| Air quality | Good | 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 Oakland, 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 26 movers licensed in North Dakota, useful context for sizing up this 1,769-mile move.
Our take
The 1,769-mile move from Fargo, ND, to Oakland, CA, costs between $2,639 and $12,159 with full-service movers, $1,455 - $5,161 with a moving container, and $1,041 - $2,889 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,661 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Kaiser Permanente and Dreyer's.
FAQs: Moving from Fargo, ND, to Oakland, CA
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 Oakland run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Fargo, ND to Oakland, CA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
How much does it cost to move from Fargo, ND to Oakland, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,041 to $12,159, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,639 and $12,159, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
How walkable is Oakland?
Oakland has a walkability score of 75 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 65, 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($749 - $856), daily insurance ($40/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $27) on top. Overnight stops can add another $200/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Fargo movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 27% of movers in Fargo handle piano moves, compared to 41% nationally.