Moving from Fargo, ND to Aurora, IL
The drive from Fargo, ND to Aurora, IL runs 637 mi β about 11h 44m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
637 mi Β· 11h 44m by car Β· IL β WI β MN β ND
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β WI β MN β ND |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 90, I 39 |
| Major cities en route | Joliet, Naperville, Elgin, Rockford, Madison |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fargo | Aurora | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.871 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.324 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.654 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 81.142 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 14.0% pricier overall in Aurora than Fargo on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values are comparable between the two cities on the latest Zillow ZHVI.
YoY change: Fargo +4.2%, Aurora +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fargo | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 41Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | -2Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 27.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 24.4" | 39.5" |
Climate warms by 8.8Β°F on the annual average β 41.4Β°F β 50.2Β°F.
Significant snow at the destination: Aurora sees 27.9 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FARGO 3S, ND US, AURORA, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fargo | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 129,064 | 179,867 |
| Median household income | $66,029 | $90,109 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 35.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.2 | 2.98 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 14.0% between Fargo and Aurora (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Aurora MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between North Dakota and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- I-29 and I-94 can close without notice in winter storms; travel bans are declared more than once most winters.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Aurora averages 27.9 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Aurora compare to Fargo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Aurora MSA vs $48,110 in the Fargo MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 145,680 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Fargo vs Aurora?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,109 in Aurora vs $66,029 in Fargo β a 36.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Aurora more expensive than Fargo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Aurora is 14.0% higher than Fargo (103.595 vs 90.871, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Aurora, IL from Fargo, ND?
The driving distance is 637 mi and the route typically takes 11h 44m via I 94 and I 90. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Fargo to Aurora?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 637 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Aurora compared to Fargo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $316,958 in Aurora vs $314,973 in Fargo β a 0.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fargo.
City profiles: Fargo, ND Β· Aurora, IL.