Moving from Fargo, ND to Miami Gardens, FL
A 1988 mi cross-country move between Fargo and Miami Gardens is 36h 30m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 8 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1988 mi Β· 36h 30m by car Β· ND β MN β WI β IL β KY β TN β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | ND β MN β WI β IL β KY β TN β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 94, I 24 |
| Major cities en route | Minneapolis, St Paul, Madison, Rockford, Clarksville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fargo | Miami Gardens | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.871 | 114.155 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.324 | 97.235 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.654 | 103.556 | 100.0 |
| Services | 81.142 | 155.551 | 100.0 |
Miami Gardens is 25.6% 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 $469,434 in Miami Gardens, a 25.6% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Fargo +4.2%, Miami Gardens -2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fargo | Miami Gardens |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 41Β°F | 76Β°F |
| January avg low | -2Β°F | 59Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 24.4" | 68.3" |
Annual average temperature jumps 34.6Β°F β 41.4Β°F in Fargo vs 76.0Β°F in Miami Gardens, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FARGO 3S, ND US, N MIAMI BEACH #2, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fargo | Miami Gardens |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 129,064 | 111,264 |
| Median household income | $66,029 | $60,979 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29% | 11.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.2 | 3.22 |
Households in Miami Gardens earn about 25.6% less at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Miami Gardens MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 393,730 | $41,640 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 306,440 | $37,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 261,940 | $30,720 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 239,610 | $37,610 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 194,910 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between North Dakota and Florida
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Florida'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-29 and I-94 can close without notice in winter storms; travel bans are declared more than once most winters.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Pack rain gear on top: Miami Gardens averages 68.3 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (34.6Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) during unpack.
- 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 Florida after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Fargo to Miami Gardens?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1988 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Miami Gardens more expensive than Fargo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Miami Gardens is 25.6% higher than Fargo (114.155 vs 90.871, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Fargo vs Miami Gardens?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,979 in Miami Gardens vs $66,029 in Fargo β a 7.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Miami Gardens, FL from Fargo, ND?
The driving distance is 1988 mi and the route typically takes 36h 30m via I 75 and I 94. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Miami Gardens compared to Fargo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $469,434 in Miami Gardens vs $314,973 in Fargo β a 49.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Miami Gardens compare to Fargo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Miami Gardens MSA vs $48,110 in the Fargo MSA, on total employment of 2,721,490 and 145,680 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fargo.
City profiles: Fargo, ND Β· Miami Gardens, FL.