Moving from Fargo, ND to Springfield, IL
Relocating 760 mi from Fargo to Springfield is a 13h 49m drive through 4 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.
760 mi Β· 13h 49m by car Β· ND β MN β WI β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | ND β MN β WI β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 39, US 51 |
| Major cities en route | Minneapolis, St Paul, Madison, Rockford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fargo | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.871 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.324 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.654 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 81.142 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 90.871 vs 92.745 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 2.1% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $314,973 to $163,198 moving to Springfield.
YoY change: Fargo +4.2%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fargo | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 41Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | -2Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 24.4" | 40.4" |
Expect 11.5Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FARGO 3S, ND US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fargo | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 129,064 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $66,029 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.2 | 2.24 |
Median household incomes in Fargo ($66,029) and Springfield ($65,537) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Springfield MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,330 | $41,140 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 10,250 | $78,240 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,240 | $29,680 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 9,100 | $79,530 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 8,150 | $33,630 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between North Dakota and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (11.5Β°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 Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Fargo vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $66,029 in Fargo β a 0.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Springfield more expensive than Fargo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 2.1% higher than Fargo (92.745 vs 90.871, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Springfield, IL from Fargo, ND?
The driving distance is 760 mi and the route typically takes 13h 49m via I 94 and I 39. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Fargo to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 760 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 Springfield compared to Fargo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $314,973 in Fargo β a 48.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Fargo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $48,110 in the Fargo MSA, on total employment of 103,670 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· Springfield, IL.