Moving from Fargo, ND to Philadelphia, PA
It is 1403 mi between Fargo and Philadelphia β roughly 25h 54m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 7 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1403 mi Β· 25h 54m by car Β· PA β OH β IN β IL β WI β MN β ND
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β OH β IN β IL β WI β MN β ND |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 76, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Pittsburgh, Akron, Cleveland, Toledo, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fargo | Philadelphia | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.871 | 102.554 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.324 | 114.389 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.654 | 96.833 | 100.0 |
| Services | 81.142 | 113.141 | 100.0 |
Philadelphia runs about 12.9% more expensive overall than Fargo β RPP 90.871 β 102.554.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $314,973 in Fargo to $231,815 in Philadelphia, a 12.9% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Fargo +4.2%, Philadelphia +2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fargo | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 41Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | -2Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 24.4" | 50.7" |
Annual average temperature jumps 16.3Β°F β 41.4Β°F in Fargo vs 57.7Β°F in Philadelphia, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Philadelphia sees 16.1 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, PHILA FRANKLIN INST, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fargo | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 129,064 | 1,582,432 |
| Median household income | $66,029 | $60,698 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.2 | 2.36 |
Households in Philadelphia earn about 12.9% less at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Philadelphia MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 352,560 | $46,660 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 252,940 | $41,710 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 228,980 | $36,650 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 223,850 | $31,100 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 200,320 | $86,620 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between North Dakota and Pennsylvania
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Pennsylvania'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: Philadelphia averages 16.1 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: Philadelphia averages 50.7 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (16.3Β°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 Pennsylvania after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Fargo vs Philadelphia?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,698 in Philadelphia vs $66,029 in Fargo β a 8.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Fargo to Philadelphia?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1403 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 Philadelphia compared to Fargo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $231,815 in Philadelphia vs $314,973 in Fargo β a 26.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Philadelphia compare to Fargo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,160 in the Philadelphia MSA vs $48,110 in the Fargo MSA, on total employment of 2,829,560 and 145,680 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Philadelphia, PA from Fargo, ND?
The driving distance is 1403 mi and the route typically takes 25h 54m via I 94 and I 76. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Philadelphia more expensive than Fargo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Philadelphia is 12.9% higher than Fargo (102.554 vs 90.871, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fargo.
City profiles: Fargo, ND Β· Philadelphia, PA.