Median Home
$250,000
Rent (1BR)
$800/mo
Cost of Living
86 / 100
Unemployment
2%
Sunny Days
189/yr
Walkability
Car-Dependent
What It's Really Like in Fargo
A small city with big-city ambitions featuring an emerging tech scene, NDSU campus energy, and extremely low unemployment. Winters are genuinely harsh but the community and affordability make up for it.
Neighborhood Guide
Where to live in Fargo based on your lifestyle and budget.
Downtown Fargo
trendyBroadway restaurants, Fargo Theatre, and a growing urban scene.
Avg Rent
$900
Home Price
$220,000
Walkability
High
Island Park
family-friendlyHistoric neighborhood with the park, tree-lined streets, and character.
Avg Rent
$850
Home Price
$260,000
Walkability
Medium
South Fargo
suburbanNewer development with shopping, schools, and family amenities.
Avg Rent
$900
Home Price
$280,000
Walkability
Low
North Fargo
affordableNDSU adjacent with affordable options and campus dining.
Avg Rent
$750
Home Price
$200,000
Walkability
Medium
Cost of Living Breakdown
Compared to the national average (100). Below 100 = cheaper, above 100 = more expensive.
Groceries
94
6% below avg
Housing
68
32% below avg
Transportation
92
8% below avg
Healthcare
88
12% below avg
Utilities
86
14% below avg
Best Neighborhoods By Situation
Best for Families
- Island Park — $850/mo rent
Best for Young Professionals
- Downtown Fargo — $900/mo rent
Most Affordable
- North Fargo — $750/mo rent
- Island Park — $850/mo rent
Most Walkable
- Downtown Fargo — walkability: high
Getting Around Fargo
Walkability: Car-Dependent
Fargo is primarily car-dependent. You'll need a vehicle for most daily activities including commuting, shopping, and entertainment.
Airport: FAR
Fargo is served by FAR airport, connecting you to major domestic and international destinations. This is important if you travel frequently for work or want to visit family back home.
Jobs & Economy
Median Income
$49,765
Unemployment Rate
2%
State Income Tax
1.1-2.9%
Cost of Living Index
86
Top Industries
HealthcareTechnologyEducationAgricultureManufacturing
Major Employers
Sanford HealthMicrosoftNDSUMarvin WindowsBlue Cross Blue Shield of ND
Popular Routes to Fargo
People are moving to Fargo from these cities.
Fargo, NDFargo
1,571 miles28.6hr driveI-90 East
Fargo, NDFargo
1,854 miles33.7hr driveI-5 South
Fargo, NDFargo
739 miles13.4hr driveI-5 South
Fargo, NDFargo
1,541 miles28hr driveI-35 South
Fargo, NDFargo
1,593 miles29hr driveI-5 South
Fargo, NDFargo
1,535 miles27.9hr driveI-90 East
Fargo, NDFargo
1,572 miles28.6hr driveI-35 South
Fargo, NDFargo
1,886 miles34.3hr driveI-5 South
Fargo, NDFargo
1,267 miles23hr driveI-35 South
Moving from Fargo to Other States
Route guides from Fargo, ND to every US state.
Fargo → CaliforniaFargo → TexasFargo → FloridaFargo → New YorkFargo → PennsylvaniaFargo → IllinoisFargo → OhioFargo → GeorgiaFargo → North CarolinaFargo → MichiganFargo → New JerseyFargo → VirginiaFargo → WashingtonFargo → ArizonaFargo → MassachusettsFargo → TennesseeFargo → IndianaFargo → MarylandFargo → MissouriFargo → WisconsinFargo → ColoradoFargo → MinnesotaFargo → South CarolinaFargo → AlabamaFargo → LouisianaFargo → KentuckyFargo → OregonFargo → OklahomaFargo → ConnecticutFargo → UtahFargo → IowaFargo → NevadaFargo → ArkansasFargo → MississippiFargo → KansasFargo → New MexicoFargo → NebraskaFargo → IdahoFargo → West VirginiaFargo → HawaiiFargo → New HampshireFargo → MaineFargo → Rhode IslandFargo → MontanaFargo → DelawareFargo → South DakotaFargo → AlaskaFargo → District of ColumbiaFargo → VermontFargo → Wyoming
Moving from Fargo to Metro Areas
Route guides from Fargo to major metropolitan areas.
Fargo → New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJFargo → Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CAFargo → Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-INFargo → San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CAFargo → Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TXFargo → Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WVFargo → Trenton-Princeton, NJFargo → Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CTFargo → Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MDFargo → Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FLFargo → Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZFargo → Vallejo, CAFargo → Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TXFargo → Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WAFargo → Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MDFargo → Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WAFargo → Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NHFargo → Denver-Aurora-Centennial, COFargo → Kenosha, WIFargo → Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI
Moving from Fargo to Major Cities
Route guides from Fargo to the largest US cities.
Fargo → New York, NYFargo → Los Angeles, CAFargo → Chicago, ILFargo → Houston, TXFargo → Phoenix, AZFargo → Philadelphia, PAFargo → San Antonio, TXFargo → San Diego, CAFargo → Dallas, TXFargo → Austin, TXFargo → San Jose, CAFargo → Jacksonville, FLFargo → Fort Worth, TXFargo → Columbus, OHFargo → Charlotte, NCFargo → Indianapolis, INFargo → San Francisco, CAFargo → Seattle, WAFargo → Denver, COFargo → Nashville, TNFargo → Oklahoma City, OKFargo → Washington, DCFargo → El Paso, TXFargo → Boston, MAFargo → Portland, ORFargo → Las Vegas, NVFargo → Memphis, TNFargo → Louisville, KYFargo → Baltimore, MDFargo → Milwaukee, WI
Your Fargo Newcomer Checklist
A 30-60-90 day plan to get settled in your new city.
30
First 30 Days
- Update your driver's license & vehicle registration
- Register to vote at your new address
- Set up utilities (electric, water, internet)
- Find a primary care doctor & dentist
- Open a local bank account if needed
- Explore your neighborhood on foot
60
Days 30–60
- Join a local gym, club, or meetup group
- Try restaurants in different neighborhoods
- Find your go-to grocery store & pharmacy
- Learn the best commute routes & shortcuts
- Attend a local event or festival
- Meet your neighbors — introduce yourself
90
Days 60–90
- Establish a weekend routine (parks, brunch spots)
- Build a professional network in your industry
- Find a favorite coffee shop to work from
- Explore day-trip destinations nearby
- Start feeling like a local — give directions!
- Invite friends & family to visit your new home