Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Fargo, ND
It is a 238 mi drive, roughly 4h 24m, between Minneapolis, MN and Fargo, ND. 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.
238 mi Β· 4h 24m by car Β· MN β ND
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β ND |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, MN 55, CR 33 |
| Major cities en route | St Paul |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Minneapolis | Fargo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.822 | 90.871 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.493 | 77.324 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.065 | 95.654 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.838 | 81.142 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 13.3% cheaper overall in Fargo than Minneapolis on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing stays roughly flat moving from Minneapolis to Fargo β $330,882 vs $314,973 (2026-03).
YoY change: Minneapolis +1.4%, Fargo +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Minneapolis | Fargo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 46Β°F | 41Β°F |
| January avg low | 8Β°F | -2Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.4" | 24.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWER ST ANTHONY FALLS, MN US, FARGO 3S, ND US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Minneapolis | Fargo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 426,845 | 129,064 |
| Median household income | $80,269 | $66,029 |
| Median age | 33 | 32.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.7% | 29% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.2 |
Households in Fargo earn about 13.3% less at the median β ACS 5-year 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 Minnesota 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
- 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
When is the best time to move from Minneapolis to Fargo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 238 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Fargo compare to Minneapolis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,110 in the Fargo MSA vs $54,850 in the Minneapolis MSA, on total employment of 145,680 and 1,911,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Minneapolis vs Fargo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,029 in Fargo vs $80,269 in Minneapolis β a 17.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Fargo compared to Minneapolis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $314,973 in Fargo vs $330,882 in Minneapolis β a 4.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Fargo more expensive than Minneapolis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fargo is 13.3% lower than Minneapolis (90.871 vs 104.822, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Fargo, ND from Minneapolis, MN?
The driving distance is 238 mi and the route typically takes 4h 24m via I 94 and MN 55. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Minneapolis.
City profiles: Minneapolis, MN Β· Fargo, ND.