How Much Does It Cost to Move in North Dakota?
North Dakota's remote location pushes long-distance costs above average at $4,000 despite low local rates. Local moves average $850. Fargo is the largest and busiest market. Winter moves (October–April) carry weather delay risks but often come with 15–20% discounts.
Average Moving Costs in North Dakota — 2026
| Move Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Local move — professional movers | $850 |
| Long-distance move — professional movers | $4,000 |
| Mover hourly rate (per mover) | $42/hr |
| Moving truck rental (per day) | $100/day |
Averages based on a 2-bedroom local move. Long-distance averages assume 500+ miles.
What Affects Moving Costs in North Dakota
Distance: Local moves are priced hourly ($42/mover/hr). Long-distance moves switch to a weight-plus-mileage model, which is why the jump from local to long-distance is so large.
Timing: Peak season (May–September) adds 15–30% to any quote. The last 3 days of a month are the most expensive — most leases expire on the 1st, so demand spikes.
Home size: Every additional bedroom adds roughly $100–200 to a local move (more movers or more hours). Long-distance moves price by weight — a 3-bedroom house weighs 3× a studio.
Access: Stairs, long carry distances, and tight elevator access trigger surcharges. Expect $50–100 per flight of stairs. Parking permits in dense North Dakota cities can add $50–150.
North Dakota Moving Cost by City
Metro areas with high demand and traffic typically run 15–25% above the state averages listed above.
- Fargo
- Bismarck
- Grand Forks
- Minot
- West Fargo
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How much does it cost to move locally in North Dakota?
Local moves in North Dakota average $850 for a 2-bedroom home. Mover hourly rates run $42/hr per mover. Most local moves take 4–8 hours with a 2–3 mover crew.
How much does a long-distance move to or from North Dakota cost?
Long-distance moves to or from North Dakota average $4,000 with professional movers. DIY truck rentals typically run $1,200–2,500 depending on distance and truck size.
What is the cheapest way to move in North Dakota?
Renting a moving truck yourself is the cheapest option — expect $100/day plus fuel. Booking movers for a weekday in the off-season (October–April) can save 20–30% vs. weekend peak rates.
When is the cheapest time to move in North Dakota?
October through April is the cheapest time to move in North Dakota. Avoid May–September (peak season), the last three days of any month, and weekends — all carry 15–30% premiums.
Which cities in North Dakota are most expensive for moving?
Fargo and Bismarck typically run 15–25% above the state average due to higher demand, traffic congestion, and longer drive times between pickup and delivery.
Is North Dakota gaining or losing residents?
North Dakota is currently roughly flat on net migration.