Moving from Fargo, ND to Rochester, MN
It is a 325 mi drive, roughly 6h 10m, between Fargo, ND and Rochester, MN. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
325 mi Β· 6h 10m by car Β· ND β MN
Distance & route
| Route through | ND β MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, US 52, MN 27 |
| Major cities en route | Minneapolis, St Paul |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fargo | Rochester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.871 | 90.821 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.324 | 87.389 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.654 | 95.433 | 100.0 |
| Services | 81.142 | 78.628 | 100.0 |
Fargo and Rochester sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Rochester run about 0.1% pricier β ZHVI $314,973 β $339,455 (2026-03).
YoY change: Fargo +4.2%, Rochester +3.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fargo | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 41Β°F | 45Β°F |
| January avg low | -2Β°F | 7Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 80Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 53.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 24.4" | 34.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 41.4Β°F vs 44.8Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Rochester sees 53.1 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, ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fargo | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 129,064 | 121,638 |
| Median household income | $66,029 | $87,767 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 36.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29% | 27.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.2 | 2.4 |
Rochester households earn about 0.1% more than Fargo at the median β $66,029 β $87,767 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Rochester MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 23,780 | $97,300 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 13,960 | $48,040 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,470 | $30,300 |
| Registered Nurses | 8,990 | $97,300 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 8,740 | $40,190 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between North Dakota and Minnesota
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Minnesota'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Rochester averages 53.1 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 Minnesota after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Rochester, MN from Fargo, ND?
The driving distance is 325 mi and the route typically takes 6h 10m via I 94 and US 52. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Rochester more expensive than Fargo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Rochester is 0.1% lower than Fargo (90.821 vs 90.871, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Rochester compared to Fargo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $339,455 in Rochester vs $314,973 in Fargo β a 7.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Rochester compare to Fargo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $55,970 in the Rochester MSA vs $48,110 in the Fargo MSA, on total employment of 119,430 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 Rochester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $87,767 in Rochester vs $66,029 in Fargo β a 32.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Fargo to Rochester?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 325 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fargo.
City profiles: Fargo, ND Β· Rochester, MN.