Moving from Fargo, ND to Lincoln, NE
Relocating between Fargo, ND and Lincoln, NE is a 448 mi drive β 7h 51m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
448 mi Β· 7h 51m by car Β· NE β IA β SD β ND
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA β SD β ND |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 29, US 77, US 75 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Sioux Falls |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fargo | Lincoln | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.871 | 91.581 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.324 | 76.817 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.654 | 94.101 | 100.0 |
| Services | 81.142 | 84.208 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 90.871 vs 91.581 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 0.8% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Fargo +4.2%, Lincoln +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fargo | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 41Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | -2Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 24.4" | 29.3" |
Expect 10.9Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Lincoln averages 26.0 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FARGO 3S, ND US, LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fargo | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 129,064 | 291,932 |
| Median household income | $66,029 | $69,991 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29% | 26.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.2 | 2.42 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.8% higher in Lincoln than Fargo.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Lincoln MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 21,500 | $40,590 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 15,810 | $29,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 14,720 | $35,130 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 14,440 | $43,440 |
| Management Occupations | 13,270 | $99,080 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between North Dakota and Nebraska
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Nebraska'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-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
- 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Lincoln averages 26.0 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.9Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Tornado season peaks May through July β identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Nebraska after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Fargo to Lincoln?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 448 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 Lincoln compared to Fargo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $291,062 in Lincoln vs $314,973 in Fargo β a 7.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Lincoln compare to Fargo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA vs $48,110 in the Fargo MSA, on total employment of 179,040 and 145,680 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Fargo vs Lincoln?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,991 in Lincoln vs $66,029 in Fargo β a 6.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Lincoln, NE from Fargo, ND?
The driving distance is 448 mi and the route typically takes 7h 51m via I 29 and US 77. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Lincoln more expensive than Fargo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lincoln is 0.8% higher than Fargo (91.581 vs 90.871, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fargo.
City profiles: Fargo, ND Β· Lincoln, NE.