Bismarck, ND → Carlsbad, CA · Cross-country move
About 1,514 road miles heading southwest. Typical two-bedroom cost $6,560–$9,760, delivery in 5–10 days, 42 carriers on the Bismarck side and 85 in Carlsbad.
Moving from Bismarck to Carlsbad is a cross-country move of roughly 1,514 road miles, heading southwest from North Dakota to California.
At this distance carriers price by shipment weight and mileage rather than by the hour. A two-bedroom home (around 5,000 lb of goods) typically costs $6,560 to $9,760 with a full-service mover, and delivery usually takes 5 to 10 days after pickup because long-haul trucks consolidate several households per trip. Driving it yourself takes about 26 hours (3 driving days).
On the Bismarck side there are 42 household-goods carriers registered with the FMCSA in and around the city (32 of them authorized for interstate work), and 85 around Carlsbad (27 interstate). For an interstate move you can book from either end; movers near the origin handle loading and are usually the better first call, while a destination-side company can be useful if you need storage or delivery-day help in Carlsbad.
Bismarck has a population of about 76,000 and Carlsbad about 112,260. Carlsbad is the denser city (3,036 people per square mile versus 2,123 in Bismarck), which often means shuttle trucks, parking restrictions or building move-in windows on delivery day. California is a higher-cost state than North Dakota, so budget a little more for destination-side help, deposits and first-month expenses.
| Home size | Est. weight | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2,000 lb | $2,620 | $3,200 | $3,910 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | $3,940 | $4,800 | $5,860 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $6,560 | $8,000 | $9,760 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $10,500 | $12,800 | $15,620 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $14,440 | $17,610 | $21,480 |
$2,160–$3,040
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$2,370–$3,490
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$6,560–$9,760
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for Bismarck, ND → Carlsbad, CA. Adjust the other options to see your range.
Typical full-service range.
Estimates use market baselines described on the cost guide; your quotes will vary by inventory, access and date.
Legal name: Crosscountry Freight Solutions INC
Legal name: Asp INC
Legal name: Araya Construction INC
Typical full-service estimates for this route are $2,620 to $3,910 for a studio, $3,940 to $5,860 for a one-bedroom, $6,560 to $9,760 for a two-bedroom, $10,500 to $15,620 for a three-bedroom and $14,440 to $21,480 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 1,514 road miles (1,283 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 26 hours (3 driving days).
Expect a delivery window of 5 to 10 days after pickup. Carriers give a spread rather than a fixed date because long-distance trucks carry several shipments; a dedicated truck or expedited service shortens the window for an extra fee.
Yes. Crossing from North Dakota into California makes this an interstate move, so the carrier must hold active FMCSA operating authority (an MC number) in addition to its USDOT number. The company cards on this page flag which carriers are authorized for interstate work.
A one-way rental truck for this distance typically runs $2,160 to $3,040 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $2,370 to $3,490. Both save money versus a full-service crew but you do the loading, and container transit can take longer than a mover's delivery window.
Rates are highest in summer and around the last days of any month, when demand peaks. Mid-month, mid-week and winter dates are usually quoted below the standard rate. Booking four to eight weeks ahead gives you the widest choice of carriers on the Bismarck–Carlsbad corridor.