Moving from Fargo, ND to Memphis, TN
The drive from Fargo, ND to Memphis, TN runs 1055 mi β about 19h 26m 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.
1055 mi Β· 19h 26m by car Β· TN β AR β MO β IA β NE β SD β ND
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β AR β MO β IA β NE β SD β ND |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 29, US 6, US 71 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Lee S Summit, Overland Park, Olathe, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fargo | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.871 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.324 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.654 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 81.142 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Fargo (90.871) and Memphis (92.179) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Memphis: 1.4% below Fargo on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Fargo +4.2%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fargo | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 41Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | -2Β°F | 33Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 24.4" | 54.9" |
Major climate step-up: 22.0Β°F warmer annual average in Memphis vs Fargo.
Light snow year: Memphis gets around 2.7 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FARGO 3S, ND US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fargo | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 129,064 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $66,029 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.2 | 2.47 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 1.4% between Fargo and Memphis (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Memphis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 106,230 | $38,330 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 83,120 | $40,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 51,140 | $28,230 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 50,680 | $32,680 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 39,480 | $73,120 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between North Dakota and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee'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
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
- 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Memphis average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Memphis averages 54.9 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (22.0Β°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 Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Fargo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $48,110 in the Fargo MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 145,680 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Memphis more expensive than Fargo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 1.4% higher than Fargo (92.179 vs 90.871, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Memphis, TN from Fargo, ND?
The driving distance is 1055 mi and the route typically takes 19h 26m via I 29 and US 6. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Fargo to Memphis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1055 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Fargo vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $66,029 in Fargo β a 22.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Fargo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $314,973 in Fargo β a 54.1% lower 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· Memphis, TN.