Moving from Renton, WA to Fargo, ND
Relocating 1423 mi from Renton to Fargo is a 24h 5m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1423 mi Β· 24h 5m by car Β· ND β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | ND β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 94, US 83 |
| Major cities en route | Billings, Spokane Valley, Spokane, Bellevue, Seattle |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Renton | Fargo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 90.871 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 77.324 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 95.654 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 81.142 | 100.0 |
Expect about 18.2% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Fargo at 90.871 vs Renton at 111.133.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 18.2% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $764,375 to $314,973 moving to Fargo.
YoY change: Renton -2.1%, Fargo +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Renton | Fargo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 41Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | -2Β°F |
| July avg high | 77Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 24.4" |
Expect 12.2Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RENTON MUNI AP, WA US, FARGO 3S, ND US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Renton | Fargo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 105,279 | 129,064 |
| Median household income | $96,626 | $66,029 |
| Median age | 36.5 | 32.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 29% |
| Avg household size | 2.55 | 2.2 |
Expect median household income to fall 18.2% β $96,626 β $66,029 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
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 Washington 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
- I-29 and I-94 can close without notice in winter storms; travel bans are declared more than once most winters.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (12.2Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 North Dakota after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Renton vs Fargo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,029 in Fargo vs $96,626 in Renton β a 31.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Renton to Fargo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1423 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 Fargo compared to Renton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $314,973 in Fargo vs $764,375 in Renton β a 58.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Fargo more expensive than Renton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fargo is 18.2% lower than Renton (90.871 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Fargo, ND from Renton, WA?
The driving distance is 1423 mi and the route typically takes 24h 5m via I 90 and I 94. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Fargo compare to Renton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,110 in the Fargo MSA vs $65,260 in the Renton MSA, on total employment of 145,680 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Renton.
City profiles: Renton, WA Β· Fargo, ND.