Moving from Fargo, ND to Newark, NJ
It is 1426 mi between Fargo and Newark β roughly 26h 28m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 8 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1426 mi Β· 26h 28m by car Β· NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL β WI β MN β ND
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL β WI β MN β ND |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 94, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Jersey City, Elizabeth, Yonkers, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fargo | Newark | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.871 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.324 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.654 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 81.142 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Newark is 23.9% above Fargo β one of the larger spreads between U.S. metros.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
23.9% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Fargo +4.2%, Newark -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fargo | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 41Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | -2Β°F | 25Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 24.4" | 50.4" |
Annual temperature rises 13.4Β°F moving to Newark per NOAA normals.
Heavy-snow city: expect 28.2 in of snowfall annually at Newark.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FARGO 3S, ND US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fargo | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 129,064 | 307,188 |
| Median household income | $66,029 | $48,416 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29% | 12.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.2 | 2.7 |
Newark households earn about 23.9% less than Fargo at the median β $66,029 β $48,416 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Newark MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between North Dakota and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Newark averages 28.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Newark averages 50.4 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (13.4Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Fargo vs Newark?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,416 in Newark vs $66,029 in Fargo β a 26.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Newark compared to Fargo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $478,455 in Newark vs $314,973 in Fargo β a 51.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Newark, NJ from Fargo, ND?
The driving distance is 1426 mi and the route typically takes 26h 28m via I 80 and I 94. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Newark more expensive than Fargo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Newark is 23.9% higher than Fargo (112.563 vs 90.871, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Newark compare to Fargo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Newark MSA vs $48,110 in the Fargo MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 145,680 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Fargo to Newark?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1426 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 Fargo.
City profiles: Fargo, ND Β· Newark, NJ.