Moving from Fargo, ND to Springfield, MO
The drive from Fargo, ND to Springfield, MO runs 765 mi β about 13h 35m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
765 mi Β· 13h 35m by car Β· MO β IA β NE β SD β ND
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IA β NE β SD β ND |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 29, US 6, US 71 |
| Major cities en route | Lee S Summit, Overland Park, Olathe, Independence, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fargo | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.871 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.324 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.654 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 81.142 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Fargo (90.871) and Springfield (88.585) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Springfield: 2.5% below Fargo on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Fargo +4.2%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fargo | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 41Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | -2Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 24.4" | 46.5" |
Major climate step-up: 15.0Β°F warmer annual average in Springfield vs Fargo.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FARGO 3S, ND US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fargo | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 129,064 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $66,029 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.2 | 2.13 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 2.5% between Fargo and Springfield (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Springfield MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 28,080 | $38,030 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 24,360 | $38,880 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 20,070 | $28,100 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 19,640 | $31,070 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 17,940 | $63,340 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between North Dakota and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (15.0Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Tornadoes are common April through June 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Fargo vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $66,029 in Fargo β a 30.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Springfield more expensive than Fargo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 2.5% lower than Fargo (88.585 vs 90.871, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Fargo to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 765 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 Springfield compared to Fargo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $314,973 in Fargo β a 22.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Fargo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $48,110 in the Fargo MSA, on total employment of 217,710 and 145,680 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Springfield, MO from Fargo, ND?
The driving distance is 765 mi and the route typically takes 13h 35m via I 29 and US 6. The trip crosses 5 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 Fargo.
City profiles: Fargo, ND Β· Springfield, MO.