Best California to North Dakota Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from California to North Dakota and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,720 mile CA to ND move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 302 California to North Dakota moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is OCD Moving Services LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $2,000 - $8,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in California compared to North Dakota. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.
Best California to North Dakota Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OCD Moving Services LLC | 9.66 | 9.47 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Pure Moving | 9.64 | 9.49 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. | 9.63 | 9.59 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Best California Movers | 9.52 | 9.73 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Two Men and a Truck | 9.30 | 8.29 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 6 | Quality Pack & Load | 9.05 | 8.87 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from California to North Dakota
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,720 miles from California to North Dakota will cost on average $3,244 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom CA to ND move is roughly $7,820. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup in California and dropoff in North Dakota as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve California to North Dakota movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,178 | 300 ft³ | 7.26 |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,244 | 450 ft³ | 7.21 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $5,369 | 750 ft³ | 7.16 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $7,820 | 1100 ft³ | 7.11 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $11,294 | 1600 ft³ | 7.06 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $12,616 | 1800 ft³ | 7.01 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from North Dakota to California guide.
Popular California to North Dakota Moving Destinations
Make an easier move when you book with the best.
See All Routes >Trusted moving guides helping you move from California to North Dakota
Trusted. Licensed. Insured. Hire the best out of state movers. Moving to another state just got easier.Compare the 6 Best CA to ND Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
OCD Moving Services LLC
5914 Cobblestone Ct
El Sobrante, CA, 94803
About OCD Moving Services LLC
For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2597230 / 911812 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 153,000 (2022) |
Pure Moving
1450 2nd St ste 225
Santa Monica, CA, 90401
About Pure Moving
Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 clients...
Services
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
- Long-distance moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3207734 / 1115049 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 1 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2022) |
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.
Chico, CA, 95973
About Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. makes it a point to go above and beyond in every moving job. This includes giving...
Services
- Local & Long Distance Moving
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3421940 / 1416634 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 9 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2024) |
Best California Movers
Glendale, CA, 91206
About Best California Movers
Best California Movers is a family-owned moving company based in Southern California, with over six years of experience in the industry....
Services
- Cheap moving services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3489907 / 1173381 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 12 |
| Registered Drivers | 12 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 157,000 (2023) |
Two Men and a Truck
658 Main Ave W
West Fargo, ND, 58078
About Two Men and a Truck
With more than 30 years of experience in the industry of moving families and businesses, Two Men and a Truck is...
Services
- Local Moving
- Junk Removal
- Storage
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3220190 / 1007626 Authorized For HHG Carrier/Shipper |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 9 |
| Registered Drivers | 7 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2023) |
Quality Pack & Load
1400 Burlington Dr # 2D
Bismarck, ND, 58504
About Quality Pack & Load
Quality Pack & Load is a professional moving company established in 2009. It's a family-owned and operated business with a reputation...
Services
- Full-service moving services
- Full-service packing services
- Commercial moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3092102 / 72533 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 17,514 (2023) |
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Pros and Cons of Moving from California to North Dakota
Moving from one state to another offers both challenges and opportunities. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from California to North Dakota , highlighting the significant contrasts in lifestyle, cost of living, climate, and more to help you make an informed decision.
California- High cost of living
- Crowded cities
- Heavy traffic
- Earthquakes
North Dakota- Lower cost of living
- Less population density
- Minimal traffic
- Stable land
North Dakota- Harsh winters
- Less diversity
- Quiet rural life
- No beaches
California- Mild winters
- Diverse culture
- Vibrant city life
- Beaches
While moving from the bustling cities of California, such as Los Angeles or San Francisco, with their vibrant nightlife, diverse cuisines, and iconic beaches like Venice Beach and Malibu, to the quieter, more rural landscape of North Dakota might seem daunting, there are many unique advantages. Cities like Fargo and Bismarck offer a close-knit community feeling with minimal traffic, making daily commutes more manageable. You'll find beautiful parks, such as Theodore Roosevelt National Park, offering scenic views and outdoor activities that aren't as crowded as those in California. Despite the harsh winters, the community in North Dakota comes together to celebrate various winter sports and activities, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all newcomers.
California vs. North Dakota Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between California & North Dakota, highlighting that food is an essential aspect of local culture and the living experience in an area. This comparison will help you understand the food scene in your new home.
| California | North Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Sourdough Bread | Lefse |
| Most popular meat dish | Trip-tip BBQ | Knoephla Soup |
| Most popular street food item | Fish Tacos | Fleischkuekle |
| Most popular vegan food | Avocado Toast | Pickled Vegetables |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In California, you'll find an abundance of fresh, farm-to-table dining experiences, particularly in neighborhoods like San Francisco's Mission District or Los Angeles' Silver Lake area. The Chez Panisse in Berkeley, for instance, is a pioneer in the farm-to-table movement. In contrast, North Dakota offers a unique culinary experience that celebrates its heritage, with dishes like Lefse, a soft Norwegian flatbread, best enjoyed in local communities and at traditional events. The health and fitness lifestyle is more pronounced in California, reflected in the widespread availability of vegan options and health-focused eateries, while North Dakota's food scene, though more modest, prides itself on hearty, comfort foods and an emerging food truck scene.
Ready to start your move?
California vs. North Dakota Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a pivotal consideration when planning a move. Understanding how California and North Dakota differ in terms of housing can greatly influence your decision-making process. This comparison aims to shed light on the cost, architectural styles, and lifestyle nuances within each state.
| Comparison | California | North Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Spanish Colonial, Modern | Ranch, Craftsman |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Ocean view, Solar panels | Spacious yards, Energy efficiency |
While the median home price and rent in California are significantly higher than in North Dakota, the lifestyle and amenities offered in each state cater to different preferences. California's architecture often reflects its diverse culture and history with Spanish Colonial and modern styles prevalent, particularly in coastal areas where ocean views are highly sought after in real estate listings. North Dakota, with its ranch and craftsman-style homes, emphasizes spacious yards and energy efficiency, indicative of the state's value on space and sustainable living. The urban lifestyle score reflects California's vibrant city life and North Dakota's quieter, more laid-back atmosphere. These differences highlight the varying aspects of life in these two states, influencing your housing decisions based on what’s important to you.
California vs. North Dakota Weather Considerations
When planning a move from one location to another, it's crucial to understand how the weather contrasts between California and North Dakota will impact your daily life and preparation needs. This comparison aims to highlight the key differences that may influence your decision and adaptation process.
California
North Dakota
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
California
North Dakota
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
California
North Dakota
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
California
North Dakota
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | California | North Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Varies by city, mostly moderate | Generally good |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Wildfires | Blizzards, Floods |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from the moderate, sunny climate of California to the more extreme seasons in North Dakota requires significant adaptation. While both states share concerns over pollen and mold allergies, the stark difference in winter temperatures and snowfall is noteworthy. California's winters are milder and less harsh, whereas North Dakota experiences deep freezes and substantial snowfall, impacting everything from daily commuting to attire. The concept of "layering" for warmth will become a new part of your vocabulary! Additionally, the decrease in sunshine days in North Dakota means Vitamin D supplements might become a new addition to your routine.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from California to North Dakota
When planning to move, comparing the cost of living and financial aspects between your current and future home can make the transition smoother. This chart is designed to highlight the difference in money and finance when moving from California to North Dakota , offering essential insights for your relocation.
| Comparison | California | North Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $91,551 | $71,970 |
| Cost of Living Index | 136.4 | 95.3 |
| State Income Tax | 1 - 13.3 | 1.1 - 2.9 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.73 | 0.99 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 8.25 | 6.94 |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture | Energy, Agriculture, Manufacturing |
| Affluence | Higher | Moderate |
| Poverty | Lower | Lower |
| Homelessness | Higher | Lower |
Moving from California to North Dakota, you'll notice substantial differences in the cost of living and taxation. California's higher average household income aligns with its higher cost of living and state income tax rates, which can range up to 13.3% compared to North Dakota's more modest top rate of 2.9%. This significant discrepancy underlines the economic shifts you'll experience upon moving. Furthermore, despite a lower average household income in North Dakota, its lower cost of living combined with thriving industries such as energy and agriculture present unique opportunities for financial stability and growth in a new environment.
California vs. North Dakota Political & Religious Comparison
In considering a move from California to North Dakota, understanding the differences in the political and religious makeup of California & North Dakota can provide valuable insights. This comparison aims to give you a quick snapshot of what to expect in terms of the prevailing political leanings, local political engagement, and prevalent religious beliefs in both states.
| California | North Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal/Democratic | Conservative/Republican |
| Local Politics | Diverse; urban areas lean more liberal | Mostly conservative, even in urban areas |
| Religion | Multicultural beliefs with Christian majority | Primarily Christian, with a significant Lutheran presence |
While California is known for its liberal politics, especially in coastal cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, North Dakota presents a conservative landscape, reflecting its largely Republican voter base. This fundamental difference in political makeup can impact local policies, community engagement, and even daily life. In terms of religion, both states predominantly identify as Christian, but California's multicultural environment translates into a broader religious diversity. In contrast, North Dakota has a strong Lutheran community, reflective of its European immigrant roots. Understanding these nuances can help you navigate and integrate into your new community more effectively.
Education Guide When Moving from California to North Dakota
Moving between states can be a daunting task, especially when considering the education of your children. To help alleviate some of this stress, we've created a comparison to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in California and North Dakota . This will allow you to make an informed decision about where your child could receive the best education to suit their needs.
| California | North Dakota |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) UCLA UC Berkeley StanfordNDSU UND MSUM | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Orion Alternative (Redwood City) Old Adobe (Petaluma) Montecito Union (Santa Barbara)Freedom Elementary (West Fargo) Lincoln Elementary (Dickinson) Centennial Elementary (Fargo) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Mill Valley Middle (Mill Valley) Joaquin Moraga Intermediate (Moraga) Pacific Collegiate (Santa Cruz)Ben Franklin Middle (Fargo) Discovery Middle (Fargo) Horizon Middle (Bismarck) | |
Top 3 High School Schools Henry M. Gunn (Palo Alto) Whitney High (Cerritos) California Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson)Fargo North High (Fargo) Century High (Bismarck) Red River High (Grand Forks) | |
Top 3 private high schools Harvard-Westlake (Studio City) The Thacher School (Ojai) Cate School (Carpinteria)Oak Grove Lutheran School (Fargo) Shiloh Christian School (Bismarck) Trinity High School (Dickinson) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools The Harker School (San Jose) Polytechnic School (Pasadena) Stanford Online High SchoolOak Grove Lutheran School (Fargo) Shiloh Christian School (Bismarck) Dakota Adventist Academy (Bismarck) | |
Top 3 School Districts San Marino Unified Palo Alto Unified La Cañada UnifiedFargo Public Schools Bismarck Public Schools West Fargo Public Schools | |
While both California and North Dakota offer top-quality education, the choices vary significantly. In California, schools like UCLA and UC Berkeley are notable for their higher education, indicating a robust pathway from primary to tertiary education within the state. In contrast, North Dakota boasts strong community connections with institutions like NDSU, which can offer a more personalized educational journey. Furthermore, California's private schools such as Harvard-Westlake are known for their rigorous academics and extensive extracurricular activities, providing an elite education. On the other hand, North Dakota's private institutions like Oak Grove Lutheran School are celebrated for their close-knit community and value-based education, demonstrating the diversity in educational values and objectives between the two states.
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