Moving from Billings, MT to Fargo, ND
A move from Billings, MT to Fargo, ND covers 608 mi and around 10h 2m of driving through 2 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
608 mi · 10h 2m by car · ND → MT
Distance & route
| Route through | ND → MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, US 83, US 52 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Fargo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 90.871 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 77.324 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 95.654 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 81.142 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Fargo and Billings is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Fargo is 2.8% below Billings ($314,973 vs $392,209 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Fargo +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Billings | Fargo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 41°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | -2°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 82°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 24.4" |
Fargo is 6.8°F cooler on the annual average (48.2°F vs 41.4°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, FARGO 3S, ND US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Fargo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 129,064 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $66,029 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 32.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 29% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.2 |
Median household income in Fargo is 2.8% below Billings ($71,855 → $66,029, 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 Montana 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms — check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
Is Fargo more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fargo is 2.8% lower than Billings (90.871 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Fargo compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,110 in the Fargo MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 145,680 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Fargo, ND from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 608 mi and the route typically takes 10h 2m via I 94 and US 83. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Fargo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,029 in Fargo vs $71,855 in Billings — a 8.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Billings to Fargo?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 608 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Fargo compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $314,973 in Fargo vs $392,209 in Billings — a 19.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Billings.
City profiles: Billings, MT · Fargo, ND.