Moving from Spokane Valley, WA to Fargo, ND

A move from Spokane Valley, WA to Fargo, ND covers 1136 mi and around 18h 52m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.

1136 mi Β· 18h 52m by car Β· ND β†’ MT β†’ ID β†’ WA

COL -9.4% Home values -23.0% Ξ” -8.4Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
1136 mi
Drive time
18h 52m
States
4
Fuel (25 mpg)
46 gal
Route throughND β†’ MT β†’ ID β†’ WA
Primary highwaysI 94, I 90, US 83
Major cities en routeBillings, Spokane

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

Spokane ValleyFargoU.S. avg
All items (RPP)100.34690.871100.0
Rents91.19677.324100.0
Goods105.02895.654100.0
Services97.05981.142100.0

Fargo is 9.4% cheaper than Spokane Valley overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Spokane Valley β€” typical home
$408,888
Fargo β€” typical home
$314,973
Spokane Valley β€” typical rent
$1,552/mo
Fargo β€” typical rent
$1,084/mo

Typical home value in Fargo is 9.4% below Spokane Valley β€” $408,888 vs $314,973 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).

YoY change: Spokane Valley +0.7%, Fargo +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsSpokane ValleyFargo
Annual avg temperature50Β°F41Β°F
January avg low26Β°F-2Β°F
July avg high87Β°F82Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”β€”
Annual precipitation17.4"24.4"

Fargo is 8.4Β°F cooler on the annual average (49.8Β°F vs 41.4Β°F, NOAA 1991–2020).

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SPOKANE FELTS FLD, WA US, FARGO 3S, ND US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023Spokane ValleyFargo
Population105,460129,064
Median household income$70,722$66,029
Median age37.632.2
Bachelor's degree or higher16.7%29%
Avg household size2.472.2

Median household income in Fargo is 9.4% below Spokane Valley ($70,722 β†’ $66,029, ACS 2023).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Spokane Valley MSA β€” median wage
$48,920
Fargo MSA β€” median wage
$48,110
Spokane Valley MSA β€” employment
255,160
Fargo MSA β€” employment
145,680

Top occupations in Fargo MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian 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

Washington income tax
no state income tax
North Dakota income tax
2.5% top marginal

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 20–30% 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.

Frequently asked

Is Fargo more expensive than Spokane Valley?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fargo is 9.4% lower than Spokane Valley (90.871 vs 100.346, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

How far is Fargo, ND from Spokane Valley, WA?

The driving distance is 1136 mi and the route typically takes 18h 52m via I 94 and I 90. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

How does household income compare in Spokane Valley vs Fargo?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,029 in Fargo vs $70,722 in Spokane Valley β€” a 6.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

When is the best time to move from Spokane Valley to Fargo?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1136 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 Spokane Valley?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $314,973 in Fargo vs $408,888 in Spokane Valley β€” a 23.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

How does the job market in Fargo compare to Spokane Valley?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,110 in the Fargo MSA vs $48,920 in the Spokane Valley MSA, on total employment of 145,680 and 255,160 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 Spokane Valley.

City profiles: Spokane Valley, WA Β· Fargo, ND.

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