($1,039+) Fargo, ND to Riverside, CA Movers

Easily compare and book your next move with moveBuddha
Background image of a moving truck moving from Fargo, ND to Riverside, CA

Moving from Fargo, ND, to Riverside, CA, runs anywhere from $1,093 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,006 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,762 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 $2,827, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $12,006 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,605 - $5,638, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,093 - $3,032.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Fargo, ND, to Riverside, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,078 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 Riverside, CA

There are 3 main ways to move from Fargo to Riverside: 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 $4,078 - $8,787. 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. At 1,762 miles, expect 5 to 16 days in transit no matter which service you choose.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,762-mile route from Fargo to Riverside, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,827 - $6,659 $1,605 - $2,970 $1,093 - $2,040 $1,416 - $2,568
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,078 - $8,787 $2,114 - $4,281 $1,114 - $2,503 $1,643 - $3,293
4+ bedrooms $7,378 - $12,006 $2,613 - $5,638 $1,433 - $3,032 $2,266 - $4,599

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Fargo, ND to Riverside, CA

Hiring full-service movers from Fargo, North Dakota, to Riverside, California, costs between $2,827 and $12,006. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,762-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $321 - $2,140, 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 Riverside. 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 Riverside:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,827 - $6,659
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,078 - $8,787
  • 4+ bedrooms: $7,378 - $12,006

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 Riverside.

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: 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.

Get Started

Specialty moving services from Fargo, ND to Riverside, CA

Specialty needs vary by market — 50% of Fargo movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Riverside, 84% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing83% of local movers$535 - $5,350
Storage in transitNew place not ready50% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$214 - $1,284/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$321 - $2,568
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage50% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers$1,070 - $3,210
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,675 - $10,700
Car shippingSecond vehicle$801 - $1,523
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items17% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Midwest Moving Company$1,070 - $2,675
PianoAny piano type67% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$856 - $3,745
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling33% of local movers$321 - $1,605
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Midwest Moving Company$696 - $2,140
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$321 - $16,050+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$321 - $3,745+

What are the best full-service movers from Fargo to Riverside?

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 almost always better priced than local movers in Fargo, ND. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.

Moving container costs from Fargo, ND to Riverside, CA

Moving containers from Fargo, North Dakota, to Riverside, California, cost between $1,605 and $5,638. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Fargo typically costs about $90/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Fargo to Riverside:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,605 - $2,970
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,114 - $4,281
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,613 - $5,638

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 $749 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 $80 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $161 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 Riverside, 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 $2,114 - $4,281, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Fargo to Riverside?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Riverside, CA

A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,762 miles from Fargo, North Dakota, to Riverside, California, running $1,093 - $3,032. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:

  • Fuel for the drive: $600 - $686
  • Daily insurance: $32/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
  • Fargo daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Fargo to Riverside based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,093 - $2,040
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,114 - $2,503
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,433 - $3,032

Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Fargo to Riverside starts at $1,093 - $3,032, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($600 - $686) , overnight lodging ($161/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?

  • Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
  • Lodging: Budget around $161 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 $749 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
  • Gas: Fuel for the 1,762-mile drive falls between $600 and $686, 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 $54 and $321 to your total.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Fargo to Riverside?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Riverside, CA

Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Fargo, North Dakota, to Riverside, California. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.

Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $963 and $3,293.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Fargo to Riverside:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,416 - $2,568
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,643 - $3,293
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,266 - $4,599

Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Fargo, North Dakota, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $749.
  • More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $80 - $161 per additional foot to your total.
  • Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.

What are the best freight companies from Fargo to Riverside?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Magnum Ltd (4.96/5 stars): Magnum Ltd is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.

Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Fargo to Riverside. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.

Cost of living: Fargo, ND vs Riverside, CA

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Riverside, side by side with Fargo on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Fargo, ND Riverside, CA
Cost of living index91131
Average rent$1,055/mo$2,295/mo
Median home value$269,827$539,898
Average income$66,029/yr$88,575/yr
Unemployment rate3.6%7.1%
State income taxUp to 2.9%Up to 13.3%
Walkability score45/10043/100
Safety index56.17/10059.76/100
Air qualityGoodModerate

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 Riverside, 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 1,762-mile move.

30%+
Save 30%+
Our readers who compare movers before booking save more than 30% on average.
$1K
$1,000 in coverage
Book a moveBuddha Certified mover for added protection and dedicated support.
Dispute mediation
If something goes wrong with a Certified mover, we help resolve it for you.

Our take

A move from Fargo, ND, to Riverside, CA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,827 - $12,006 on the 1,762-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,605 - $5,638, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,093 - $3,032. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $4,078 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Bourns and California Baptist University.

FAQs: Moving from Fargo, ND, to Riverside, CA

How long does a move from Fargo, ND to Riverside, CA take?

Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.

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 Riverside 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 Riverside, 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 Riverside, CA?

Costs on this route range from around $2,827 to $12,006, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,827 and $12,006, 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 Riverside?

Riverside has a walkability score of 43 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 49, 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.