Moving from Spokane, WA to Fargo, ND
A move from Spokane, WA to Fargo, ND covers 1147 mi and around 19h 6m 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.
1147 mi Β· 19h 6m by car Β· WA β ID β MT β ND
Distance & route
| Route through | WA β ID β MT β ND |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 90, US 2 |
| Major cities en route | Spokane Valley, Billings |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Spokane | Fargo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.346 | 90.871 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.196 | 77.324 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.028 | 95.654 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.059 | 81.142 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 100.346 to 90.871, putting Fargo roughly 9.4% below Spokane on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Fargo: 9.4% below Spokane on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Spokane 0.0%, Fargo +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Spokane | Fargo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 41Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | -2Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 17.4" | 24.4" |
Fargo is 8.4Β°F cooler on the annual average (49.8Β°F vs 41.4Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SPOKANE FELTS FLD, WA US, FARGO 3S, ND US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Spokane | Fargo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 229,228 | 129,064 |
| Median household income | $65,745 | $66,029 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 32.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.5% | 29% |
| Avg household size | 2.37 | 2.2 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
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
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state 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.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Spokane to Fargo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1147 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Spokane vs Fargo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,029 in Fargo vs $65,745 in Spokane β a 0.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Fargo, ND from Spokane, WA?
The driving distance is 1147 mi and the route typically takes 19h 6m via I 94 and I 90. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Fargo more expensive than Spokane?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fargo is 9.4% lower than Spokane (90.871 vs 100.346, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Fargo compare to Spokane?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,110 in the Fargo MSA vs $48,920 in the Spokane MSA, on total employment of 145,680 and 255,160 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Fargo compared to Spokane?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $314,973 in Fargo vs $395,325 in Spokane β a 20.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Spokane.
City profiles: Spokane, WA Β· Fargo, ND.