Moving from Fargo, ND to Omaha, NE
The 423 mi from Fargo to Omaha translate to about 7h 2m behind the wheel through 4 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
423 mi Β· 7h 2m 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, I 680, US 6 |
| Major cities en route | Sioux Falls |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fargo | Omaha | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.871 | 91.911 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.324 | 76.378 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.654 | 94.063 | 100.0 |
| Services | 81.142 | 86.404 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Omaha and Fargo is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Omaha is 1.1% below Fargo ($294,189 vs $314,973 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Fargo +4.2%, Omaha +1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fargo | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 41Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | -2Β°F | 15Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 24.4" | β |
Climate warms by 9.9Β°F on the annual average β 41.4Β°F β 51.3Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FARGO 3S, ND US, OMAHA #1, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fargo | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 129,064 | 488,197 |
| Median household income | $66,029 | $72,708 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29% | 25.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.2 | 2.44 |
Income steps up 1.1%: $66,029 in Fargo vs $72,708 in Omaha.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Omaha MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 58,590 | $42,850 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 45,020 | $30,130 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 43,680 | $35,980 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 41,730 | $39,370 |
| Management Occupations | 37,950 | $104,990 |
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
- 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
How far is Omaha, NE from Fargo, ND?
The driving distance is 423 mi and the route typically takes 7h 2m via I 29 and I 680. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Omaha compared to Fargo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $294,189 in Omaha vs $314,973 in Fargo β a 6.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Fargo vs Omaha?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $72,708 in Omaha vs $66,029 in Fargo β a 10.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Fargo to Omaha?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 423 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 Omaha compare to Fargo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,580 in the Omaha MSA vs $48,110 in the Fargo MSA, on total employment of 483,970 and 145,680 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Omaha more expensive than Fargo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Omaha is 1.1% higher than Fargo (91.911 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· Omaha, NE.