Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Fargo, ND
Relocating 570 mi from Milwaukee to Fargo is a 10h 26m drive through 3 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.
570 mi Β· 10h 26m by car Β· WI β MN β ND
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β MN β ND |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 90, I 694 |
| Major cities en route | Madison, St Paul, Minneapolis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Milwaukee | Fargo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.937 | 90.871 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.59 | 77.324 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 95.654 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.111 | 81.142 | 100.0 |
Expect about 6.3% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Fargo at 90.871 vs Milwaukee at 96.937.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 6.3% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $220,137 to $314,973 moving to Fargo.
YoY change: Milwaukee +3.6%, Fargo +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Milwaukee | Fargo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 41Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | -2Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 39.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 33.8" | 24.4" |
Expect 6.9Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US, FARGO 3S, ND US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Milwaukee | Fargo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 569,756 | 129,064 |
| Median household income | $51,888 | $66,029 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 32.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 29% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.2 |
Expect median household income to rise 6.3% β $51,888 β $66,029 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Fargo MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 17,060 | $45,140 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 14,080 | $44,240 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 12,700 | $37,800 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 12,330 | $30,550 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 10,860 | $73,380 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and North Dakota
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check North Dakota'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
- 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.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Fargo compared to Milwaukee?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $314,973 in Fargo vs $220,137 in Milwaukee β a 43.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Fargo compare to Milwaukee?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,110 in the Fargo MSA vs $48,460 in the Milwaukee MSA, on total employment of 145,680 and 814,950 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Fargo, ND from Milwaukee, WI?
The driving distance is 570 mi and the route typically takes 10h 26m via I 94 and I 90. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Fargo more expensive than Milwaukee?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fargo is 6.3% lower than Milwaukee (90.871 vs 96.937, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Milwaukee vs Fargo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,029 in Fargo vs $51,888 in Milwaukee β a 27.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Milwaukee to Fargo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 570 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 Milwaukee.
City profiles: Milwaukee, WI Β· Fargo, ND.