Moving from Fargo, ND to Jersey City, NJ
Relocating 1431 mi from Fargo to Jersey City is a 26h 35m drive through 8 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1431 mi Β· 26h 35m by car Β· NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL β WI β MN β ND
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL β WI β MN β ND |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 94, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Yonkers, Newark, Elizabeth, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fargo | Jersey City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.871 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.324 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.654 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 81.142 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Jersey City is 23.9% more expensive than Fargo on the BEA RPP β expect rent and services to carry most of that gap.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $314,973 in Fargo to $658,269 in Jersey City, a 23.9% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Fargo +4.2%, Jersey City -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fargo | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 41Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | -2Β°F | 25Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 24.4" | 50.4" |
Expect 13.4Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Jersey City sees 28.2 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, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fargo | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 129,064 | 289,691 |
| Median household income | $66,029 | $94,813 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29% | 29.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.2 | 2.35 |
Expect median household income to rise 23.9% β $66,029 β $94,813 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Jersey City MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between North Dakota and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- 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: Jersey City averages 28.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Jersey City averages 50.4 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (13.4Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Fargo vs Jersey City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $94,813 in Jersey City vs $66,029 in Fargo β a 43.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Jersey City more expensive than Fargo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jersey City is 23.9% higher than Fargo (112.563 vs 90.871, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Jersey City, NJ from Fargo, ND?
The driving distance is 1431 mi and the route typically takes 26h 35m via I 80 and I 94. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Fargo to Jersey City?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1431 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Jersey City compare to Fargo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Jersey City MSA vs $48,110 in the Fargo MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 145,680 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Jersey City compared to Fargo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $658,269 in Jersey City vs $314,973 in Fargo β a 109.0% 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· Jersey City, NJ.