Moving from Rochester, MN to Fargo, ND
It is a 325 mi drive, roughly 6h 10m, between Rochester, 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.
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
| Rochester | Fargo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.821 | 90.871 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.389 | 77.324 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.433 | 95.654 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.628 | 81.142 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 90.821 vs 90.871 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 around 0.1% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Rochester +3.9%, Fargo +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Rochester | Fargo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45Β°F | 41Β°F |
| January avg low | 7Β°F | -2Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 53.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 24.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Rochester (44.8Β°F) and Fargo (41.4Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US, FARGO 3S, ND US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rochester | Fargo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,638 | 129,064 |
| Median household income | $87,767 | $66,029 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 32.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 27.7% | 29% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.2 |
Fargo households earn about 0.1% less than Rochester at the median β $87,767 β $66,029 on ACS 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-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.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Fargo compared to Rochester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $314,973 in Fargo vs $339,455 in Rochester β a 7.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Rochester to Fargo?
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.
Is Fargo more expensive than Rochester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fargo is 0.1% higher than Rochester (90.871 vs 90.821, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Rochester vs Fargo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,029 in Fargo vs $87,767 in Rochester β a 24.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Fargo compare to Rochester?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,110 in the Fargo MSA vs $55,970 in the Rochester MSA, on total employment of 145,680 and 119,430 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Fargo, ND from Rochester, MN?
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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Rochester.
City profiles: Rochester, MN Β· Fargo, ND.