Moving from Madison, WI to Fargo, ND
The drive from Madison, WI to Fargo, ND runs 501 mi β about 9h 29m 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.
501 mi Β· 9h 29m by car Β· WI β MN β ND
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β MN β ND |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 90, US 12 |
| Major cities en route | St Paul, Minneapolis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Fargo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 90.871 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 77.324 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 95.654 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 81.142 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Fargo are 6.6% below Madison β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Fargo typical home at $314,973 is 6.6% under Madison at $423,767 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Fargo +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Fargo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 41Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | -2Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 24.4" |
Climate cools by 5.8Β°F on the annual average β 47.2Β°F β 41.4Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, FARGO 3S, ND US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Fargo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 129,064 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $66,029 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 32.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 29% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.2 |
Income steps down 6.6%: $76,983 in Madison vs $66,029 in Fargo.
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 Wisconsin 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 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
- 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.
Frequently asked
Is Fargo more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fargo is 6.6% lower than Madison (90.871 vs 97.287, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Madison to Fargo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 501 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Fargo, ND from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 501 mi and the route typically takes 9h 29m via I 94 and I 90. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Fargo compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,110 in the Fargo MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 145,680 and 396,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Madison vs Fargo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,029 in Fargo vs $76,983 in Madison β a 14.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Fargo compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $314,973 in Fargo vs $423,767 in Madison β a 25.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI Β· Fargo, ND.